Postdoctoral Research Associate - Chemical Engineering (Multiple Positions)

University of Massachusetts Lowell • Lowell, MA

3d • $60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to federally and/or industrially funded research projects focused on digital twin system development for biomanufacturing. One research area investigates Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) and Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cells for productivity and biomanufacturing, applying multiscale modeling and systems and synthetic biology to study metabolic pathways and metabolites in industrially relevant cell lines. A second position investigates digital twin development for lyophilization and RNA production, using mechanistic modeling and physical systems to study those processes and develop AI/ML-driven lyophilization or RNA production systems.

This is a full-time, benefited position in the Grants & Contracts union. The position is contingent upon funding, with an initial one-year appointment and possible 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.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical, Biochemical, or Bioengineering; Biotechnology; or a related discipline.
• At least two years of work experience in the specified relevant areas.
• Background in CHO/HEK cell culture processes, freeze-drying or RNA production, mechanistic modeling, data interfaces, multivariate statistics, and AI/ML.
• Comfort working on teams of academic and industry scientists.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• 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, productivity, and biomanufacturing.
• Apply multiscale modeling and systems and synthetic biology to investigate metabolic pathways and metabolites in industrially relevant cell lines.
• Conduct research on digital twin system development for lyophilization and RNA production.
• 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.
• Collaborate with academic and industry scientists.

What This Job Offers

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