Postdoctoral Associate

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, MAMMALIAN SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY

Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center-Weiss Lab –Weiss Lab, to join an interdisciplinary academic research lab focused on creating integrated biological systems capable of autonomously performing useful tasks and elucidating design principles for engineering complex cellular and tissue phenotypes. Will work closely with researchers, principal investigators (PIs), and a lab manager on government- and corporate-sponsored programs in mammalian synthetic biology, including neuromorphic synthetic biology. Projects involve building mammalian genetic circuits that sense cellular state (e.g., mRNA, miRNA, metabolites) and implement feedback control and analog, digital, and “neural” logic to drive precise spatiotemporal responses (e.g., differentiation, vascularization, and cell–cell communication). Will design genetic circuits and assays; collect and analyze data using techniques such as flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, next-generation sequencing, ELISA, and related analytical methods; and apply computational skills in collaboration with cross-functional teams, including efforts in microfluidics and high-throughput scaling and analysis.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in Biological sciences, computer science, biological engineering, or a closely-related field. Experience in at least one of the following—mammalian cell culture and differentiation, iPSC engineering, large-scale DNA assembly and characterization, genetic recombination and site-specific genome integration (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, RMCE), next-generation sequencing, computational methods/tools for analysis, and statistics; background in molecular biology, synthetic biology, protein engineering, immunology, and/or cell biology; demonstrated ability to design and execute rigorous experiments and detailed protocols; strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment; and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting research through talks and publications.