Postdoctoral Associate - BioSciences

Rice University • Houston, TX

216d

About The Position

Dr. Caroline Ajo-Franklin's lab in the Department of BioSciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of bioelectrochemical sensing. The Caroline Ajo-Franklin lab uses biophysics and synthetic biology to understand and engineer the interface between living systems and non-living materials. We are particularly interested in the ability for engineered bacteria or enzymes to sense molecules in complex environments and transmit information via extracellular electron transfer. Ultimately, our research has applications in environmental and human health, energy generation, and sustainable materials. The ideal candidate is enthusiastically collaborative and will strengthen our multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, and biophysicists by providing new insight and technical knowledge we lack. The researcher must have a track-record of research accomplishment, interest in environmental monitoring applications, strong oral communication skills, and enjoy highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Deep knowledge in protein engineering and high-throughput selection methods.
• Experience working with large libraries of protein variants.
• Demonstrate strong experimental skills in molecular biology, protein expression, purification and characterizations, and enzymatic kinetics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation.
• Able to publish scholarly papers and present ongoing research.
• Prefers to work in a collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic with project and time management, including the independent ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized with data management, including providing clear accessibility of data and protocols to others.
• Understanding and adherence to lab safety standards.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques relevant to electrochemical enzymes and biosensors.
• Experience engineering multiple types of enzymes.
• Experience building components of electrical devices.
• Experience and comfort with interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to teach experimental techniques to those with different scientific backgrounds.
• Has successfully mentored students.
• Has translated fundamental research to applications in health monitoring.
• Experience with microbiology such as sterile technique and culturing.
• Experience with molecular biology such as gene and plasmid design, and genomic alteration.
• Experience with current characterization techniques such as cyclic voltammetry.
• Experience with protein design, production, and purification.

Responsibilities

• Purifying and interfacing enzymes that produce electrical current with devices.
• Engineering enzymes for sensing abilities and/or improved current generation.
• Measuring current generation from electrochemical systems.
• Design bioelectronic sensors for analytes.
• With collaborators, test these prototyped devices in complex environments.
• Prepare research publications (oral and written) on experimental results.
• Communicate results in group meetings and participate in professional activities, as appropriate.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific notebook of all experiments performed.
• Train students in area of expertise and project techniques.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree