Postdoctoral Associate - Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology

Postdoctoral Associate - Sustainable Energy and Synthetic Biology

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites applications for a postdoctoral associate in the Barstow lab, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering. The position focuses on sustainable energy, synthetic biology, and the intersection of physics, chemistry and microbiology. The associate will join the Microbe-Mineral Atlas Center team to study microbe‑mineral interactions for mining metals for sustainable energy technologies and CO2 sequestration.

Position Function

The postdoctoral associate will support, lead, and invent projects at the intersection of sustainable energy, synthetic biology, physics, and chemistry. The appointment is a 12‑month, initially funded position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Characterize and engineer genetics of microbe‑mineral interactions (65 %)
• Write and publish peer‑reviewed articles and present results at scientific meetings (30 %)
• Assist with external funding proposal development (5 %)

Requirements

• PhD in physics, chemistry, synthetic biology, systems biology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated independence, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, willingness to learn new skills, and team collaboration.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Molecular or synthetic biology
• Microbiology of non‑model organisms
• Computer programming, numerical problem solving, machine vision, and analysis of next‑generation sequencing data
• High‑throughput screening

Supervision Exercised

This role offers a high degree of autonomy. The successful candidate is expected to meet with the principal investigator at least twice per week for approximately two hours. No supervisory responsibilities are part of this position.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website (Academic Jobs Online: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). Applications will be reviewed as received and remain open until a suitable applicant is identified.

Pay Range

US $ 62,232.00 – 88,745.00 per year, determined by prior experience, education, discipline, and applicable skills.

Notice to Applicants

Please read the Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here
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EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination including race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, pregnancy, age, creed, religion, disability, arrest record, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employment Assistance

For general questions about the position or the application process, contact the recruiter listed in the posting or email mycareer. If you require an accommodation for a disability to complete an application or participate in the recruiting process, contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at 607‑255‑2242 or email accommodations.