"Postdoctoral Associate - Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology"

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

The Santomartino Lab in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to lead, develop and support innovative research at the intersection of microbial biotechnology, space biology, and sustainable solutions for plastic and electronic waste recycling.

The successful candidate will join a growing space biotechnology team working to understand how microorganisms can support sustainable human space exploration through waste degradation and recycling. Insights gained will also be applied to the development of sustainable terrestrial biotechnologies addressing the plastic crisis, carbon revalorization, critical metal recovery, and circular bioeconomy approaches on Earth and in space.

We are looking for an experienced scientist in bioengineering, molecular biology, and microbiology, with strong expertise in microbial and genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and an interest in space exploration and life in extreme environments.

The Santomartino Lab is committed to supporting the Postdoctoral Associate's career advancement. The PI will provide structured mentorship, regular feedback, support career growth, including networking opportunities, conference participation, and professional visibility, and offer mentorship in scientific writing, manuscript development and grant writing.

The successful candidate is also expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant lab environment.

This is a 12-month initial appointment, available immediately, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon available work, satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Conduct experimental research, including characterizing mechanisms of plastic and e-waste degradation, genetic modification and engineering of model and non-model microorganisms, designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing experiments, collaborating with other lab members to support complementary projects, participating actively in weekly lab meetings and research discussions (65%);
• Write and publish high-quality peer-reviewed research articles, present findings at scientific conferences and professional meetings, contribute to data visualization, figure preparation, and professional scientific writing. (30%);
• Assist in the development of proposals for external funding for research projects. (5%)

Requirements

Required qualifications:

• A PhD degree in synthetic or molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology or related fields.
• Demonstrated research experience in molecular biology, microbial genetics, genetic engineering, or synthetic biology
• Experience working with microorganisms (model or non-model organisms) and standard microbiological techniques
• A track record to work both independently and as part of a team, to own problem-solving skills, a high level of enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and capacity to learn new skills.
• Proven ability to independently conceptualize research questions and drive projects forward.
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• Engineering non-model microorganisms or environmental isolates
• Multi-omics techniques (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
• Microscopy methods, FT-IR spectroscopy, or other analytical imaging techniques
• Analysis of next-generation sequencing data
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis, numerical modeling, or machine vision

Supervision Exercised

This position carries a high degree of independence. The Postdoctoral Associate will meet with the PI at least twice per week for research updates and mentorship, participate in and contribute to weekly lab meetings, collaborate with graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and technical staff, help mentor students working on related projects, contribute to maintaining a collegial, respectful, supportive, and inclusive lab culture. There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $62,232.

Pay Range: $62,232.00 - $88,745.00