About the position
Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) are searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join their team. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to explore high-throughput structural assessment of DNA nanotechnology while also engaging the broader research community as the SAXS specialist in the MCF. In the Taylor Lab, you will investigate approaches for high-throughput synthesis as well as SAXS-based characterization of DNA origami nanostructures. As the SAXS specialist, you will be the primary point of contact for the Xenocs Xeuss 3.0 SAXS by supporting users through leading training sessions, providing guidance on techniques and data analysis, and running samples on behalf of external/remote users.
Responsibilities
- Designing, synthesizing, and characterizing a variety of nucleic acid nanostructures and machines
- Collaborating effectively to provide nanostructures to collaborating researchers
- Communicating findings in weekly meetings, at conferences, and in journal publications
- Engaging the SAXS user base by providing training and interacting with and providing assistance to internal and external users, including changing configurations as needed
- Maintaining and coordinating the maintenance of the SAXS with the Xenocs team and also support troubleshooting on the instrument
- Training junior Taylor lab members in essential research skills such as the design, synthesis and analytical techniques used for DNA origami
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- PhD in materials science, chemistry, engineering, physics or related discipline is required
- Graduate level research experience with SAXS is required
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research are required
- Must possess an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently
Nice-to-haves
- Prior experience with DNA nanotechnology is preferred
- Expertise with one or more SAXS analysis programs (RAW, XSACT, SAXSUtilities, SAXSview, TVIEW, etc.) is preferred
- Also OriginPro, Powerpoint, Excel are valuable software skills
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings program with generous employer contribution
- Tuition benefits
- Ample paid time off and observed holidays
- Life and accidental death and disability insurance
- Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
- Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
- Fitness center access
