Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences
About The Position
The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience. The Zhao Biophotonics Lab within our Biological Sciences department is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support two active molecular biology projects: (1) engineering and screening fluorescent proteins with improved photostability for advanced imaging applications, and (2) developing a single-component capsid-based gene delivery system optimized for scalable production in E. coli. The successful candidate will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the PI to design experiments, execute molecular biology protocols, and analyze data. This is a full-time, fixed-term staff position based at the Pittsburgh campus.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, protein expression)
- Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and/or fluorescent protein biology
- Strong attention to detail; ability to maintain thorough laboratory records
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
- A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Nice To Haves
- Experience with fluorescent protein engineering or directed evolution
- Experience with viral capsid proteins, VLPs, or gene delivery systems
- Familiarity with E. coli protein expression and purification (IPTG induction, affinity chromatography)
- Experience with confocal or widefield fluorescence imaging and quantitative image analysis
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis and visualization
- Prior experience in an academic research lab; authorship on publications or preprints is a plus
Responsibilities
- Design, clone, express, and purify fluorescent protein variants in bacterial and mammalian expression systems
- Screen fluorescent protein libraries for improved photostability using high-throughput fluorescence microscopy and plate-reader assays
- Engineer and characterize single-component capsid constructs for gene delivery; optimize yield and solubility in E. coli
- Perform standard molecular biology techniques: PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, transformation, DNA/protein gel electrophoresis
- Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks; analyze imaging and biochemical data using standard software (ImageJ, Python, MATLAB as applicable)
- Assist with expansion microscopy (Magnify) experiments including sample preparation, immunostaining, and confocal imaging
- Contribute to preparation of figures, reports, and manuscript sections as directed
- Maintain lab equipment, reagent stocks, and plasmid/cell line inventories
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
- Tuition benefits
- Ample paid time off
- Observed holidays
- Life and accidental death and disability insurance
- Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
- Access to Family Concierge Team
- Fitness center access
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
