Post Doctoral Associate

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

10d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Laboratory for MicroTechnologies and the Neurobiology Lab at the University of Maryland are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to conduct biomolecular research as part of a multidisciplinary team developing a cell-based artificial nose (e-nose). Potential applications for e-nose technology include medical diagnostics, agriculture, food and perfume industries, and public safety. The research is collaborative between the University of Maryland, College Park, and the Anhydrobiosis Research Group at the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NARO) in Tsukuba, Japan. The researcher is anticipated to work primarily at NARO for 10–11 months per year and at UMD for 1–2 months per year. Japanese language ability is not required, as NARO lab members speak English. The project is funded by the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation: Engineered Living Systems (EFRI ELiS) program.

The role includes designing and constructing expression vectors for gene editing, optimizing gene insertion methods for olfactory receptors and genetically encoded fluorescent sensors into cell lines, and characterizing odor responses using imaging techniques. The researcher may contribute to study design, international collaboration, scientific manuscript writing, conference presentations, and intellectual property applications. The researcher may also provide input on a portable artificial olfaction device that uses machine learning to identify odorant signatures. Documentation, data management, and participation in the scholarly work of both labs are also part of the role.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in cellular or molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience with modern molecular biology techniques, including cloning and expression systems, CRISPR-based genome editing, and functional assays.
• Authorization to work in the United States as of the first day of employment.
• Authorization to work as a visiting scientist in Japan within two months of the start date.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cell culture.
• Experience creating stable cell lines.
• Experience with microfluidics.
• Experience with successful heterologous gene expression.
• Experience with fluorescence imaging.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct expression vectors for gene editing.
• Optimize methods of inserting genes for olfactory receptors and genetically encoded fluorescent sensors into cell lines.
• Characterize odor responses using imaging techniques.
• Contribute to research study design.
• Collaborate with researchers internationally.
• Write scientific manuscripts and give presentations at conferences.
• Apply for intellectual property protection.
• Provide input into development of a portable artificial olfaction device using machine learning to identify odorant signatures.
• Document research and manage data.
• Participate in the scholarly pursuits of the two labs.

Benefits

• Regular Faculty benefits are referenced; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree