Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

This is a one-year appointment for a postdoctoral researcher studying microbial biodegradation of the conventional plastics polyethylene and polystyrene. Our laboratory has isolated and identified several dozen microbial strains that show evidence of the ability to biodegrade specific plastics or plastic surrogates. Our goal is to determine the enzymes and pathways that enable these microbes to perform this function and determine how to increase the rates of biodegradation by combining various strains to develop bioreactors for the treatment of highly contaminated soils and water sources. As a postdoctoral associate, you will be expected to assist in the supervision of graduate students and undergrads in the laboratory, assist with duties essential to routine laboratory operation, and to take a lead role in writing manuscripts and grant proposals related to the research goals. There is a potential for this appointment to be renewed based on work performance and availability of future funds.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 20% Perform biological experiments associated with the biodegradation of specific plastics by various microbes. Study pathways and enzymes found in specific microbes that are able to biodegrade polyethylene and polystyrene. Analyze the growth of microbes over time and determine media composition that improves the rate of biodegradation.
• 20% Clone genes, purify enzymes and perform kinetic characterization of enzyme parameters for specific enzymes identified to play an important role in the biodegradation of specific conventional plastics. Perform routine analytical procedures to characterize polymer modification and degradation.
• 20% Study community dynamics of various microbial strains that have been found to degrade plastics and determine potential synergistic and antagonistic interactions between these strains in an effort to increase rates of biodegradation and develop reactor systems to enhance the biodegradation of plastics and microplastics.
• 20% Prepare manuscripts for publication related to research aims and findings. Assist in the preparation of proposals related to research area. Develop new lines of research in relation to microbial biodegradation of plastics. Maintain cultures and keep detailed notebooks and digital data related to the project.
• 20% Supervise graduate students and undergraduates in performing routine laboratory experiments. Participate in weekly laboratory meetings. Attend departmental seminars and events.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Biological Chemistry or Biological Engineering Discipline (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biological Engineering or highly related fields).
• Demonstrated research experience in working with microbes and general practices related to biochemistry and enzymes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated publication record.
• Experience in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Experience in enzyme characterization. Experience operating analytical instruments, including gas and liquid chromatography.
• Experience characterization polymers.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.