Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate, Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology Center-Weiss Lab –Weiss Lab, to join a research lab focused on engineering integrated biological circuits and elucidating design principles for complex cellular systems through protein phosphorylation networks and cell signaling. Will work closely with researchers, principal investigators, and lab management on a government-sponsored DARPA program developing mammalian synthetic biology approaches for therapeutic cell engineering.

This role combines rigorous mechanistic science with circuit-level problem solving and offers potential for high-impact publications. Projects involve building mammalian genetic circuits in red blood cell progenitors that sense extracellular biomarkers (pH, lactate) through engineered GPCRs and implement multi-layer phosphorylation-based decision logic (AND/OR gates) to drive precise metabolic and physiological responses. Will design genetic circuits and bio-assays; engineer orthogonal kinase-substrate pairs and split-enzyme systems;

collect and analyze data using techniques such as flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, next-generation sequencing, ELISA, and immunofluorescence; characterize protein localization, phosphorylation state, and stability in RBCs. Position includes collaboration with cross-functional multi-university teams on functional validation in physiologically relevant conditions.

REQUIRED:

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Biological Engineering, or a closely-related field. Strong background in protein phosphorylation networks, cell signaling, and GPCR or kinase biology is essential. Experience in at least two of the following—mammalian cell culture and iPSC differentiation, site-specific genome integration and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, large-scale DNA assembly and characterization, synthetic biology circuit design, next-generation sequencing, computational methods/tools for analysis, and statistics;

demonstrated ability to design and execute rigorous experiments with meticulous documentation; proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques; strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to mechanistic understanding; ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred: experience with RBC biology or hematopoiesis, microfluidics platforms, protein biochemistry, or translational cell therapy development.