Postdoctoral Research Associate
About The Position
The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise. The Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Cirillo Laboratory at Texas A&M will engage in research to advance the development of Reporter Enzyme Fluorescence (REFtb), a rapid tuberculosis diagnostic platform based on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis beta-lactamase BlaC and fluorogenic substrate chemistry. This position focuses on developing and optimizing diagnostic assays, with particular emphasis on reagent formulation, enzyme kinetics, and fluorogenic-probe evaluation. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will collaborate closely with Dr. Jeffrey D. Cirillo, laboratory members, and partners in engineering and chemistry to integrate protein biochemistry, analytical methods, molecular microbiology, and quantitative data analysis. These efforts will improve assay sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and performance in clinically relevant sample matrices.
Requirements
- Appropriate PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, structural biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or a closely related field.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Presentation skills.
- Analytical skills.
- Attention to detail.
Nice To Haves
- Strong demonstrated expertise in biochemistry or chemistry, with the ability to independently design and execute rigorous experimental studies.
- Experience in protein expression and purification and in biochemical characterization of proteins or enzymes.
- Experience with enzyme kinetics, quantitative data analysis, and interpretation of biochemical assays.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a record of productive scientific work, including publications or manuscripts in preparation.
- Ability to work independently while contributing constructively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
- Experience with beta-lactamases, hydrolases, or other enzyme systems relevant to small-molecule substrate or inhibitor development.
- Experience in fluorogenic probe design, fluorescence-based assay development, imaging-probe chemistry, or diagnostic/point-of-care technology development.
- Experience with reagent formulation, stability testing, lyophilization, or development of assays for field or resource-limited settings.
- Experience with FPLC, HPLC, SDS-PAGE, protein quantification, and related analytical techniques.
- Experience with protein co-crystallization, X-ray crystallography, or structural analysis of enzyme–ligand complexes.
- Familiarity with assay validation in complex biological matrices and with experimental design for analytical sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and reproducibility.
Responsibilities
- Under general supervision, is responsible for conducting research into their field of expertise.
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments supporting development and optimization of REFtb diagnostic reagents and workflows.
- Express, purify, quantify, and characterize BlaC and related beta-lactamase proteins using recombinant systems and chromatographic methods.
- Conduct steady-state and inhibition enzyme-kinetics studies, including determination and analysis of kinetic parameters such as Km, kcat, and Ki.
- Evaluate the activity, selectivity, and performance of fluorogenic BlaC substrates, including comparison with non-target beta-lactamases such as TEM-1, CTX-M, and KPC.
- Apply biochemical and kinetic results to guide substrate selection, probe design, buffer optimization, reagent formulation, and stabilization strategies for point-of-care or field-deployable use.
- Develop and validate assays in relevant matrices, including sputum, urine, stool, or other clinical and environmental samples, as appropriate to project goals.
- Use analytical techniques, including FPLC and HPLC where applicable, to support protein purification, reagent characterization, and formulation development.
- Maintain accurate records; analyze and present quantitative datasets; prepare figures, reports, protocols, manuscripts, and conference materials.
- Contribute to structural or mechanistic studies of BlaC and BlaC–substrate/inhibitor interactions when useful for structure-guided diagnostic development.
- Prepares presentation materials on research topic that may be presented to small and/or large groups.
- Actively participates in the preparation of required technical progress reports to research sponsors.
- May assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project.
- Collaborate effectively across microbiology, chemistry, and diagnostic-development teams; mentor trainees working on related projects.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Free exercise programs and release time
- All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
- Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
