Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemical Engineering (Multiple Positions)

UMass Lowell • Lowell, MA

2d

About The Position

The successful applicants will work on federally and/or industrially funded projects developing digital twin systems for biomanufacturing. One position investigates digital twin development for Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) and Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells, applying multiscale modeling and systems and synthetic biology to study metabolic pathways and metabolites in industrially relevant cell lines. The second position investigates digital twin development for lyophilization processes and RNA production, using mechanistic modeling and physical systems. This work includes developing AI/ML-driven lyophilization or RNA production processes. Both positions are core staff on their respective projects and involve working with academic and industry scientists.

The position is full-time, benefited, and in the Grants & Contracts union. It is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on productivity, performance, and funding availability. The formal salary range is $50,000–$76,000, with an anticipated salary of $60,000–$65,000. Only current UML employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting; other candidates will be considered afterward. Applications should include a resume, cover letter, and research statement, and applicants will be asked to provide contact information for three references.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of work experience in the relevant areas.
• Comfort working in a team of academic and industry scientists.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Background in CHO/HEK cell culture processes, freeze-drying or RNA production, mechanistic modeling, data interfaces, multivariate statistics, and AI/ML.
• Prior grant writing experience.
• Experience in development of biotherapeutics, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, multivariate statistics, or HPLC.
• Industry experience in biomanufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on digital twin system development for CHO and HEK cells for productivity and biomanufacturing, or for lyophilization processes and RNA production.
• Apply multiscale modeling and systems and synthetic biology to investigate metabolic pathways and metabolites in industrially relevant cell lines.
• Apply mechanistic modeling and physical systems to investigate lyophilization and/or RNA production processes.
• Contribute as core staff to federally and/or industrially funded projects.
• Work collaboratively with academic and industry scientists.

Benefits

• Benefited position.

What This Job Offers

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