Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world's most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn't imagine the future, we invent it. If you're passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

The Zhao Biophotonics Lab within our Biological Sciences department is seeking a motivated Research Associate to support two active molecular biology projects: (1) engineering and screening fluorescent proteins with improved photostability for advanced imaging applications, and (2) developing a single-component capsid-based gene delivery system optimized for scalable production in

E. coli. The successful candidate will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the PI to design experiments, execute molecular biology protocols, and analyze data. This is a full-time, fixed-term staff position based at the Pittsburgh campus.

Core Responsibilities

* Design, clone, express, and purify fluorescent protein variants in bacterial and mammalian expression systems

* Screen fluorescent protein libraries for improved photostability using high-throughput fluorescence microscopy and plate-reader assays

* Engineer and characterize single-component capsid constructs for gene delivery; optimize yield and solubility in

E. coli

* Perform standard molecular biology techniques: PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, transformation, DNA/protein gel electrophoresis

* Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks; analyze imaging and biochemical data using standard software (ImageJ, Python, MATLAB as applicable)

* Assist with expansion microscopy (Magnify) experiments including sample preparation, immunostaining, and confocal imaging

* Contribute to preparation of figures, reports, and manuscript sections as directed

* Maintain lab equipment, reagent stocks, and plasmid/cell line inventories

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field

* Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, protein expression)

* Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and/or fluorescent protein biology

* Strong attention to detail; ability to maintain thorough laboratory records

* Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment

* A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with fluorescent protein engineering or directed evolution

* Experience with viral capsid proteins, VLPs, or gene delivery systems

* Familiarity with

E. coli protein expression and purification (IPTG induction, affinity chromatography)

* Experience with confocal or widefield fluorescence imaging and quantitative image analysis

* Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis and visualization

* Prior experience in an academic research lab; authorship on publications or preprints is a plus

Requirements:

* Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional…