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Position Summary

Dr. Caroline Ajo-Franklin's lab in the Department of BioSciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Engineered Living Materials.

The Caroline Ajo-Franklin lab uses biophysics and synthetic biology to engineer and understand the interface between living microbes and non-living materials. We are particularly interested in the autonomous assembly of materials at this living/non-living interface for functional, sustainable material creation. Ultimately, our research has applications in environmental and human health, energy generation, and sustainable materials.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastically collaborative and will strengthen our multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, and biophysicists by providing new insight and technological knowledge we lack. The researcher must have a track-record of research accomplishment, strong oral communication skills, and interest in health applications (human and/or environmental). Key responsibilities include engineering and characterizing novel living materials, innovating new synthetic biology or protein engineering tools to create novel living materials, and/or innovating new biophysical or materials science approaches to characterize living materials. The candidate will also be responsible for training students in targeted areas of the researcher's Ph.D. expertise and newly developed techniques, communicating results, preparing results for publication, and assisting with group management of the lab and resources.

Essential Functions

• Design, engineer, and cultivate living materials using synthetic biology techniques, integrate mechanical functions into living materials, and perform characterization of material properties, including development of new methodology.
• Collaborate with other group members, and across institutions or disciplines, to develop new concepts, applications, and/or project plans to expand the field of engineered living materials.
• Mentor junior researchers, including providing technical suggestions and training, experimental advice, and guidance on project and data management.
• Communicate results with the rest of the team, our research sponsor, and at national and international meetings.
• Meticulously document, analyze, and maintain research data.
• Publish and present research findings, and assist with writing of grant proposals.
• Participate in lab management, organization, and safety as guided by the staff.
• Provides academic services to the department (i.e., teaches a course).
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques relevant to biomaterials or living materials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation.
• Able to publish scholarly papers and present ongoing research.
• Prefers to work in a collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic with project and time management, including the independent ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized with data management, including providing clear accessibility of data and protocols to others.
• Understanding and adherence to lab safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the organism Caulobacter crescentus, protein assembly, biopolymers, biomineralization, and/or biomaterials.
• Experience and comfort with interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to teach experimental techniques to those with different scientific backgrounds.
• Has successfully mentored students.
• Applied fundamental research to health areas, either human or environmental.
• Experience with microbiology such as sterile technique, culturing, and cell analysis.
• Experience with molecular biology such as gene and plasmid design, genomic alteration.
• Experience with material characterization techniques such as rheology and tensile testing.
• Experience with protein design, production, and purification.
• Experience with microscopy techniques such as fluorescence confocal microscopy, SEM, AFM.

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.