Science Policy Postdoc — Engineering Biology & Policy Impact

Please note:

EBRC is NOT currently hiring for science policy postdocs. However, if you are looking for a science policy position after October 2026
, please feel free to send us a note of interest and/or your application materials (please see below for instructions). Materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more about our science policy postdoc alumni here .

The Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is seeking postdoctoral scholars interested in science policy. Postdocs will leverage their previous training to work with EBRC programs and to conduct an individual research project.

EBRC is a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to bringing together an inclusive community committed to advancing engineering biology to address national and global needs. We showcase cutting-edge research in engineering biology, identify pressing challenges and opportunities in research and application, and articulate compelling research roadmaps and programs to address these challenges and opportunities.

Applications are being accepted for those with interest in engineering biology and related technical and policy influences and impacts, and those interested in any of our four focus areas:
Technical Research Road mapping, Security, Education & Workforce Development, and Policy & International Engagement. Applicants with particular knowledge, experience, and/or expertise in one of the five Application and Impact Sectors (i.e., Environment Biotechnology & Climate, Food & Agriculture, Energy, Health & Medicine, Industrial Biotechnology) and/or the four Technical Themes (i.e., Data Science, Engineering DNA, Host Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering) described in EBRC’s Engineering Biology: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy (2019), are encouraged.

Roughly 75% of the postdoc’s time will be dedicated to EBRC projects related to bioeconomy and/or in the focus areas (more detail below).

EBRC Focus Areas:

• Technical Research Road mapping
  :
  Working with EBRC’s Road mapping Director, postdocs in this focus area will develop and curate technical content EBRC’s research roadmaps. A national-scale effort, postdocs will engage with the EBRC membership and other subject matter experts by facilitating interactions with the working group, executing workshops and working meetings, and performing independent literature research to ensure the best expertise is brought to bear in material development.
  
  Postdocs will gain experience in effective engagement and project management with the research community and focus on advancing research programs and opportunities across engineering biology.
• Security & Engineering Biology
  :
  The postdoc will develop and deliver papers, briefings, and course materials on security and engineering biology. EBRC approaches this topic bidirectionally asking both how advances in engineering biology affect the security landscape and how changes in security policy can influence engineering biology research and development practices. The postdoc will engage with stakeholders ranging from undergraduates to senior government policy makers, so a strong ability to tailor communications to a specific audience is necessary for success.
  
  The postdoc will have the opportunity to interact with the national security and policy communities on issues relevant to engineering biology.
• Education & Engagement
  :
  The postdoc will work closely with the Education working group and through independent research to understand and advance the engineering biology education landscape and workforce pipeline in the US, with a focus on increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in coordination with the efforts of other organizations. Currently, EBRC is focused on developing projects, programs, and resources for students and educators to strengthen engineering biology curricula, interest, and engagement.
  
  The postdoc will also engage in a landscaping effort to understand the needs and challenges for the engineering biology workforce pipeline towards the potential development of a roadmap for engineering biology education and integration with the EBRC technical roadmaps for engineering biology.
• Policy &…