Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.AssociateUniversity of Pittsburgh

POSITION SUMMARY

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow with expertise at the interface of biological chemistry, microbiology, and synthetic biology. The successful Candidate will conduct research focused on the delivery and stabilization of nanoscale materials, including DNA origami and gold nanoparticles, into bacterial cells, with broad applications in synthetic biology. The position also involves investigating the interaction of nanoscale materials with biomolecules, including application with biomolecular condensates. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated early-career scientist to develop an independent research program within a collaborative and well-resourced environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute experiments investigating the intracellular delivery of DNA origami, gold nanoparticles, and other nanoscale materials into bacterial cells.
• Develop and optimize strategies for the stabilization of nanoscale materials within cellular environments.
• Develop ratiometric or fluorescence-based assays to characterize nanomaterial behavior in intracellular environments.
• Investigate molecular level interactions between nanoscale materials and biomolecules, with a particular focus on biomolecular condensates.
• Apply findings to advance synthetic biology applications, including the engineering of novel cellular functions or programmable biological systems.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure rigorous documentation of experimental protocols and results.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and contribute to grant applications.
• Present research at group meetings, institutional seminars, and national/international conferences.
• Mentor and provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate.
• Collaborate actively with laboratory members and external collaborators across disciplines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in biological chemistry, biochemistry, synthetic biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field (degree conferred prior to start date).
• Experience with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or disordered protein regions in the context of phase separation or condensate assembly.
• Research conducted in gram-negative bacterial model systems, with hands-on experience in cell culture, genetic manipulation, and live-cell imaging.
• Familiarity with nanoparticle surface functionalization and characterization.
• Demonstrated experience delivering nucleic acid nanostructures into live bacterial cells.
• Familiarity with quantitative image analysis pipelines using ImageJ/Fiji and Python for automated segmentation and clustering analysis.
• Strong publication record commensurate with career stage, including first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g., cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, protein expression).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Cover letter describing your research background, specific interest in this position, and career goals (maximum 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications.
• Contact information for two professional references who can speak to your research qualifications.
• Representative first-author publication or preprint (optional but encouraged).

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.