Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Description

The position for the Department of Medicine and Center for Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics will develop mechanism-driven technologies for detecting and quantifying biomarkers relevant to major human diseases. The role includes applying and validating these methods using samples from animal models and human subjects, and rigorously evaluating analytical performance.

• Technology development and validation studies: Designs, fabricates, and optimizes novel nanomaterials or biosensors for high-sensitivity detection of nucleic acids or protein biomarkers. Independently designs and executes experiments using cell cultures, animal models, and human clinical samples to validate diagnostic performance and analytical metrics. Performs rigorous data organization and evaluation of assay performance.
• Data analysis and scientific communication: Performs advanced biostatistical analysis and interprets complex experimental data. Prepares figures and results summaries, drafts manuscripts for publication, presents findings at lab meetings and conferences, and assists in grant proposal preparation as needed.

• Ph.D. (or nearing completion) in Biomedical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Material Science, or a related field.
• Research experience in nanopore, material or biosensor design and development, technologies for biomarker discovery, studies on extracellular vesicles or nano/micro scale liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization, high-resolution mass spectrometry, protein biochemistry, top-down and bottom-up proteomics including project design, sample preparation and data analysis, PTM identification.
• Scientific rigor: ability to critically analyze literature, identify knowledge gaps, and design hypothesis-driven experiments.
• Technology development: ability to design and fabricate novel nanomaterials, biosensors, or microfluidic systems for high-sensitivity detection of nucleic acids or protein biomarkers.
• Validation studies: ability to independently design and execute experiments using cell cultures, animal models, and human clinical samples to validate diagnostic performance and analytical metrics.
• Molecular methods: experience with nucleic acid amplification (CRISPR/Cas, PCR) and DNA/RNA isolation from complex fluids (e.g., cell‑free DNA) and/or nanoprobe fabrication.
• Data analysis: ability to perform advanced biostatistical analysis, interpret complex experimental data, and create publication‑quality visualizations (e.g., Graph Pad Prism, Origin, R, or Python).
• Strong computer skills, including an advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts and presentations and provide constructive critiques on peer manuscripts.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and compliance expectations in research settings.

• Genomics & Transcriptomics: Proficiency in Next‑Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), or RNA‑seq.
• Proteomics: Experience with Mass Spectrometry (LL‑MS/MS, MALDI), bottom-up/top‑down proteomics, and PTM identification.
• Bioinformatics: Strong coding skills (Python, R, or Linux/Unix) for analyzing large‑scale omics data.

Please submit your current CV with your email address listed.

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