Skip to main content

This job has expired

Postdoctoral Associate - Bioengineering

Employer
Rice University
Location
Texas, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Feb 6, 2023


Special Instruction to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a CV in the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Position Summary

The Microtechnologies Laboratory for Pediatric Oncology in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University has an open postdoctoral fellow position. The goal of the lab, which opened in July 2021, is to discover targeted therapies for fusion oncoprotein-driven pediatric cancers by designing micro and nanoscale technologies to probe protein interactions and conformations. Startup funds from the George R. Brown School of Engineering (PI: Vlassakis) will fund the for up to four years. The position will have a flexible start date around February 2023.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead a collaborative project that aims to assess cellular heterogeneity in protein glycosylation and solubility in Ewing sarcoma, the second most common pediatric bone cancer. To innovate in single-cell protein analysis, this project integrates biochemical analysis, and microfluidic separation design. The fellow will have access to equipment in the Shared Equipment Authority at Rice (including cleanroom nanofabrication equipment).

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in protein biochemistry. Experience in research involving biomolecule separations is required and expertise in microfabrication is preferred. The candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills, evidenced by their previous publications and presentations. As a key senior team member, the candidate will also be expected to aid in the supervision of junior lab members and in the preparation of research proposals. The candidate will be mentored in application for competitive internal and external postdoctoral fellowships.

Essential Functions
  • Researches glycosylation and condensate behavior of the EWS-FLI1 fusion oncoprotein in Ewing sarcoma cell lines and patient samples
  • Designs and prototypes microdevices for measuring protein glycosylation and solubility at the single-cell level
  • Develops analysis approaches for quantifying protein solubility from microscale separation assays
  • Leads collaborative effort to test the impact of therapies that alter the glycosylation state of EWS-FLI1
  • Publishes papers and present findings at national and international conferences
  • Mentors and trains junior research team members, such as PhD candidates, master’s students and undergraduates
  • Assists with proposal development to obtain research funding
  • Assists with lab operations including protocol development and role modeling best practices in rigorous science, record-keeping, lab safety and being a team player in the lab
  • Supports project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
  • Performs all other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in bioengineering, biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology or a related field
  • No experience required
  • Skills Required
    • Expertise in protein biochemical techniques
    • Curiosity, enthusiasm and drive to tackle challenging technical problems and complex biological questions drawing from literature, carefully designed experiments and models
    • Comprehension of basic principles of reaction kinetics
    • Strong interest in developing expertise in microfluidic assay design and fabrication
    • 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
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with basic principles of separation science and mass transport
  • Familiarity with micro and nanofabrication techniques
  • Keen interest in advancing drug discovery for pediatric cancers
About Rice

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Rice University HR | Benefits

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

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.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert