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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 bioelectrochemical sensing.

The Caroline Ajo-Franklin lab uses biophysics and synthetic biology to understand and engineer the interface between living systems and non-living materials. We are particularly interested in the ability for engineered bacteria or enzymes to sense molecules in complex environments and transmit information via extracellular electron transfer. 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 technical knowledge we lack. The researcher must have a track-record of research accomplishment, interest in environmental monitoring applications, strong oral communication skills, and enjoy highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Key responsibilities include developing methods to interface enzymes with bioelectronic devices, mutating enzymes for targeted functions, improving extracellular electron transfer efficiency, and testing of deployable bioelectrochemical sensors. 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

Purifying and interfacing enzymes that produce electrical current with devices. Engineering enzymes for sensing abilities and/or improved current generation. Measuring current generation from electrochemical systems. Design bioelectronic sensors for analytes. With collaborators, test these prototyped devices in complex environments. Prepare research publications (oral and written) on experimental results. Communicate results in group meetings and participate in professional activities, as appropriate. Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific notebook of all experiments performed. Ensure that others could duplicate results. Train students in area of expertise and project techniques. Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related field

Skills

Deep knowledge in protein engineering and high-throughput selection methods. Experience working with large libraries of protein variants. Demonstrate strong experimental skills in molecular biology, protein expression, purification and characterizations, and enzymatic kinetics. 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

Knowledge of the principles and techniques relevant to electrochemical enzymes and biosensors. Experience engineering multiple types of enzymes. Experience building components of electrical devices. Experience and comfort with interdisciplinary research. Ability to teach experimental techniques to those with different scientific backgrounds. Has successfully mentored students. Has translated fundamental research to applications in health monitoring. Experience with microbiology such as sterile technique and culturing. Experience with molecular biology such as gene and plasmid design, and genomic alteration. Experience with current characterization techniques such as ­­­­­cyclic voltammetry. Experience with protein design, production, and purification.

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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.