Postdoctoral Associate - BioSciences

Position Summary

Dr. Caroline Ajo‑Franklin's lab in the Department of Bio Sciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of Engineered Living Materials.

The Caroline Ajo‑Franklin lab uses biophysics and synthetic biology to engineer and understand the interface between living microbes and non‑living materials. We are particularly interested in the autonomous assembly of materials to create functional, sustainable materials. Ultimately, our research has applications in environmental and human health, energy conversion, and sustainable materials.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastically collaborative and will strengthen our multidisciplinary team of earth scientists and synthetic biologists by providing experience and expertise in hierarchical biomaterials and materials characterization. The researcher must have a track‑record of research accomplishment and strong oral communication skills. Key responsibilities include adapting biophysical or materials science approaches to characterize the hierarchical structure of living materials, characterizing the mechanical and physical properties of living materials, and in collaboration with existing team members, innovating new high‑throughput tools to screen novel living materials.

The candidate will also be responsible for training students in targeted areas of the researcher's Ph.D. expertise and newly developed techniques, communicating results, preparing results for publication, and assisting with group management of the lab and resources.

This position is exclusively on‑site, necessitating all duties to be performed in‑person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

* Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on satisfactory performance and the renewal of funding.

• Perform multiscale structural characterization of living materials, including adapting existing methods to these materials
• Characterize mechanical properties and other physical properties of living materials
• Inform the design of living materials using
• Collaborate with other group members, and across institutions or disciplines, to develop new concepts, applications, and/or project plans to expand the field of engineered living materials.
• Mentor junior researchers, including providing technical suggestions and training, experimental advice, and guidance on project and data management.
• Communicate results with the rest of the team, our research sponsor, and at national and international meetings.
• Meticulously document, analyze, and maintain research data.
• Publish and present research findings, and assist with writing of grant proposals.
• Participate in lab management, organization, and safety as guided by the staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques relevant to biomaterials or living materials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation.
• Able to publish scholarly papers and present ongoing research.
• Prefers to work in a collaborative environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic with project and time management, including the independent ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized with data management, including providing clear accessibility of data and protocols to others.
• Understanding and adherence to lab safety standards.

• Experience with material characterization techniques such as rheology and tensile testing.
• Experience with microscopy techniques such as fluorescence confocal microscopy, SEM, AFM
• Experience with composite patterning, biopolymers, biomineralization, and/or biomaterials.
• Experience with common microbiological skills such as sterile technique, culturing, and cell analysis.
• Experience and comfort with interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to teach experimental techniques to those with different scientific backgrounds.
• Has…