Postdoc: Cell-Free Synthetic Biology Research

Rice; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cell-free synthetic biology research with the Zhang lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. The role involves designing and executing experiments, data analysis, and disseminating findings.

The position is on-site at Rice University, funded for one year with benefits, and may renew based on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, chemical engineering biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology or closely related field
• No additional experience beyond graduate research required
• Experience with lab-based synthetic biology techniques is preferred

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on development and characterization of cell-free gene expression systems for programmable biological function
• Designs and executes experiments involving molecular cloning, protein expression, gene expression, and related synthetic biology workflows
• Performs mass spectrometry-based characterization and quantitative analysis of experimental data
• Analyzes bioinformatics and other research data using Python and related computational tools
• Develops, evaluates, and refines experimental approaches as research objectives evolve
• Interprets research findings and identifies appropriate next steps in collaboration with the principal investigator and research team
• Prepares figures, manuscripts, conference presentations, and technical content for grant reports
• Collaborates with graduate students and other research personnel on shared projects
• Mentors undergraduate researchers and trains new laboratory members in relevant methods and workflows
• Maintains complete and accurate research records and documentation
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Skills

Molecular cloning

Protein expression

Bioengineering

Education

Ph.D. in Bioengineering

Tools

Python

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Rice University in Houston seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cell-free synthetic biology research with the Zhang lab in the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. The role involves designing and executing experiments, data analysis, and disseminating findings.

The position is on-site at Rice University, funded for one year with benefits, and may renew based on funding and performance.