Postdoc in Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

Salary: 60,000-70,000

Johns Hopkins University: Whiting School of Engineering: Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join Prof. Qingyun Dan’s research group with a focus on synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and microbial biomanufacturing of high-value small molecules. The overarching goal of the lab is to develop a next-generation biosynthetic platform for scalable and sustainable production of specialty chemicals and novel-to-nature compounds. The postdoc will play a central role in one or more of the following research thrusts:

• Discovery and characterization of novel biosynthetic enzymes
• Engineering biosynthetic pathways using modular design principles and retrobiosynthesis
• Development of high-throughput strain construction and screening workflows
• Exploration of bioorthogonal or non-natural chemistry in microbial systems

The successful candidate is expected to independently design and execute research projects, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, contribute to grant writing and collaborative projects, and publish in high-impact journals. This position is ideal for candidates interested in building a future independent research program in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and enzyme discovery.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Strong background in at least one of the following: Metabolic engineering, Enzyme characterization, Natural product biosynthesis.
• Demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot biological systems
• Strong publication record and communication skills