The Dai group in the Bond Life Sciences Center (Chemical and Biological Engineering Department in the University of Missouri) invites self-motivated and adaptable researchers to join our highly interdisciplinary team in the bioenvironmental/chemical and synthetic biology lab. The ideal candidate will develop novel bio-based materials, study various environmental contaminants, resource recovery, and work on scale-up. Some of our recent papers in this area include Nature Commun 16, 11570 (2025), Nature Commun 16, 6649 (2025), Green Chem, 26, 10139 (2024), Nature Commun 13, 4368, (2022), Matter 5, 3513 (2022), Joule 9, 101769, (2025), Chem, 8, 3363 (2022)

Research Areas

Successful candidates will work at the interface of material engineering, catalysis, systems biology, and synthetic biology, with opportunities spanning:

1. Development of novel bio-based materials for environmental and biotechnological applications
2. Study of environmental contaminants, resource recovery, and process scale-up
3. Advanced materials characterization and analytical method development using GCMS, LCMS, and related instruments

Projects emphasize both methodological development and environmentally/biologically relevant applications, with access to advanced instrumentation and strong interdisciplinary collaborations.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, synthetic biology, or a closely related field. Strong background in one or more of: organic chemistry, catalysis, material engineering and characterization, or synthetic biology; Hands-on experience with advanced analytical instruments such as GCMS, LCMS, and material characterization techniques preferred; Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

The lab is dynamic, collaborative, and supportive, working with broad partners across the US on high-impact research: https://www.dai-lab.com

Our laboratory nurtures a collaborative environment with ample opportunities for grant writing, professional training, and career development routes. The laboratory is highly multidisciplinary and scientifically integrated. For all positions, salary is commensurate with experience, and full-scale state employee benefits will be provided. Columbia, in Missouri, is a great place to live, offering a small-town environment near major cities. If you are interested in such a position, please contact Dr. Susie Dai at sydai@missouri.edu.