Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Kansas; Tipton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center of BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine (CBMM) at the University of Kansas invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow to advance nanotechnology for structural determinations of proteins. A PhD in a relevant field is required, with leadership responsibilities for graduate students and a funded project running up to two years.

Research will focus on plastic in-plane nanopore sensors, resistive pulse signatures for amino acids, and integration of a dual nanopore

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry by appointment.
• Formal degree required to be appointed as Postdoctoral Researcher; PhD in hand.
• Experience in nanopore sensing and Resistive Pulse Sensing desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to mentor graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Conduct resistive pulse sensing experiments to secure signatures for 20 amino acids.
• Build an integrated plastic exopeptidase reactor with dual nanopore sensors.
• Fabricate in-plane nanopore sensors using injection molding and bonding.
• Modify surfaces with chemistries including TRIS.
• Monitor RPS measurements of single amino acids and exopeptidases.
• Publish papers on amino acid detection and exopeptidase action.

Skills

Nanopore sensing

Resistive Pulse Sensing

Machine learning

Protein/peptide chemistry

Leadership

Education

PhD in Biomedical/Mechanical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Injection Molding

Thermal Fusion Bonding

Surface modification (TRIS)

Job description

Position Overview

The Center of BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine (CBMM) at the University of Kansas (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and School of Engineering) is seeking qualified candidates for a post-doctoral fellow position to work on a nationally-funded project focused on developing nanotechnology for structural determinations of proteins. The candidate should have a Ph.D. in any of the following disciplines: biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry. Experiences in nanopore sensing both from a fabrication and operational perspective is preferred. A track record in Resistive Pulse Sensing (RPS), familiarity with machine learning, and protein/peptide chemistry is desirable. The person hired in this position will provide leadership to graduate students working on this project as well.

This position has funding for up to two years.

35% - Using our plastic in-plane nanopore sensors using established techniques in the laboratory (injection molding and thermal fusion bonding), the PD will conduct experiments to secure resistive pulse signatures for the 20 amino acids.

20% - Build an integrated system in a plastic using injection molding that will consist of a solid-phase exopeptidase reactor coupled to the dual in-plane nanopore sensor to determine the amino acid composition of input peptides.

15% - Fabricate in-plane nanopore sensors via a modified injection molding process with an assembly process that uses thermal fusion bonding. This category also involves looking at different surface modification chemistries, including TRIS modification.

10% - Monitoring graduate students on the RPS measurements of single amino acid molecules and the action or exopeptidases when surface immobilized.

10% - Writing peer-reviewed papers covering topics on the detection and identification of single amino acids using RPS and the on-line detection of amino acids following exopeptidase action on peptides.

5% - Attend weekly group meetings and weekly sub-group meetings and make presentations at each of these meeting on an irregular basis (depends on scheduling). Also, make presentations on research work at national/international meetings at the discretion of the PI (Soper).

5% - Participate in outreach activities to the general public and school children on the basic concepts of protein/peptide/amino acid chemistry and RPS sensing. These activities are mandated by the funding source (NSF).

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in any of the following disciplines conferred at the time of appointment: biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand.

Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6-months.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experiencein nanopore sensing both from a fabrication and operational perspective.
2. Experiencein working with Resistive Pulse Sensing (RPS).
3. Knowledge of or experience with machine learningand protein/peptide chemistry as evidenced by application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Steven Soper, [e-mail]

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Thursday, October 15, 2026. For consideration, please apply no later than Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Work Schedule

9-5 Monday through Friday

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.