Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

*In order to apply for this position, please attach a resume and cover letter.*

Position Summary

The Lab for Synthetic Macromolecular Assemblies (PI: George Lu, website link ) at the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University has one to several openings for postdoctoral fellows. A particular interest is in candidates with ultrasound methodology, physics, and acoustics backgrounds. The lab focuses on the development of gas-filled protein nanostructures for a broad range of applications including ultrasound imaging, cell and gene therapies, and nanomaterials. Rice Bioengineering is one of the top biomedical engineering departments with its graduate program consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country, and the lab is well funded by awards from NIH, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Welch Foundation, and Mathers Foundation. The recruited postdoctoral fellow is expected to lead an independent project in the lab and aim to become a future team leader in academia or industry.

In addition to the particular interest in ultrasound methodology, physics, and acoustics backgrounds, the ideal candidates may have one or several of the following expertise: (1) genetic engineering of mammalian cells, (2) gene therapies, (3) nanomaterials, (4) computational protein design. Outstanding candidates without the listed expertise are welcome to apply. All candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills, and will also be expected to aid in the supervision of junior lab members and the preparation of research proposals. The application for postdoctoral fellowships will be encouraged, including both external and internal ones such as Rice University Academy of Fellows.

Please specify whether sponsorship for visa is needed during your application.

Essential Functions

• Lead a project on ultrasound imaging, genetic engineering of mammalian cells, gene therapies, nanomaterials, computational protein design or another discipline relevant to the lab’s research
  
  
• Develop independent research interest as a future leader of a research team
  
  
• Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
  
  

• Mentor and train junior research team members, such as PhD candidates, masters students and undergraduates
  
  
• Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
  
  
• Assist with equipment setup, protocol development and role modeling best practices in rigorous science, record-keeping, lab safety and being a team player in the lab.
  
  
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
  
  
• Conduct laboratory experiments on gas vesicles, ultrasound, genetic engineering and cellular engineering.
  
  

• Lead projects in the broadly defined synthetic biology field
  
  
• Performs all other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Qualifications

• PhD in bioengineering, biochemistry, materials science, chemistry or a related field
  
  
• No experience is required for this position
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills of (or ability to learn) genetic engineering, molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, bacterial culture
  
  
• Skills of (or ability to learn) molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, bacterial culture
  
  
• Skills of (or ability to learn) imaging techniques and image analysis
  
  
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and drive to tackle challenging technical problems and complex biological questions drawing from literature, carefully designed experiments and models
  
  
• Strong listening and verbal communication skills and ability to present in group meetings and conferences
  
  

• Enthusiasm for leadership, assisting team members and creating a collaborative working environment
  
  
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively and professionally
  
  
• Strong written communication and understanding of manuscript and peer review process
  
  
• Knowledge of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, bioengineering and chemistry
  
  
• Proficiency in (or ability to learn) genetic engineering, molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, bacterial culture
  
  

• Proficiency in (or ability to learn) molecular cloning, molecular biology assays, bacterial culture
  
  
• Proficiency in (or ability to learn) imaging techniques and image analysis
  
  
• Familiarity with literatures on small-animal ultrasound imaging, genetic engineering of mammalian cells, computational protein design or another discipline relevant to the lab’s research
  
  

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

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