Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M • College Station, TX

11h

About The Position

The postdoc will design and execute fermentation experiments (submerged and solid-state), optimize media and process conditions (DoE/RSM), and scale workflows from bench to pilot bioreactors. Responsibilities include downstream recovery (protein/lipid/metabolites), analytical characterization (HPLC/GC, metabolomics as needed), data analysis/modeling, and rigorous documentation for TEA/LCA inputs. The role involves mentoring students, coordinating with collaborators/industry, and publishing in high-impact journals while supporting proposal development.

Requirements

• A Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering or a closely related field is required.
• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to travel if needed.

Nice To Haves

• Research experience in cell culture, molecular biology, gene editing, fermentation, and CRISPR.
• Strong background in fermentation, food engineering, and food processing.
• Experience in molecular biology, Gene editing, bioinformatics, cell culture.
• Experience with Cell counter, Inverted Microscope, 96-well plate reader, bioreactor, centrifuge, PCR, autoclave, DNA sequencing, Raman and FTIR.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments
• Develop and optimize media, inoculum, and process parameters using DoE/RSM; monitor growth, kinetics, and product formation.
• Operate benchtop bioreactors, implement control strategies (pH, DO, aeration, feeding), and troubleshoot runs.
• Perform downstream processing (cell harvest, extraction, purification) and quantify products (protein, lipids, pigments, metabolites) using standard analytical methods (HPLC/GC/UV-Vis, proximate analysis).
• Analyze datasets, build mass/energy balances, and generate inputs for TEA/LCA.
• Maintain SOPs, lab records, and safety compliance.
• This position is expected to perform research independently, draft research manuscripts, train/mentor students, maintain lab functions and support the PI and Co-PIs with relevant administrative work.
• Meet with Dr. Reza Ovissipour frequently to discuss the project’s progress, grant writing, manuscript preparation, working with stakeholders, and mentoring.
• Attend meetings with the PI, and other research team members, stakeholders, and other collaborators.
• This job may include some travel.
• Other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

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