Postdoctoral Research Associate (northeastern)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to support research focused on the design and implementation of novel functional genomics approaches in Clostridia on Northeastern’s Boston Campus. The Clostridia are a diverse group of anaerobic bacteria that range from agents of human disease to industrial microbes used for renewable production of biofuels and biochemicals. Despite their importance, the majority cannot be genetically engineered, and even those that can are notoriously difficult to work with. The postdoctoral associate will develop fundamentally new approaches for genetically manipulating these bacteria, allowing scientists to study and control their unique physiology and metabolism at an accelerated pace, with far reaching impacts on sustainable biomanufacturing and human health. Our laboratory values diversity and expects all lab members to foster a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. The duties and responsibilities for this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Design, construct and test plasmid vectors and protein-based approaches for transformation of Clostridial species
• Design, implement, and analyze repeatable experiments (in collaboration with the supervisor and other personnel)
• Provide meticulous documentation, analysis, and summarization of results (including digital/photographic documentation and computational/modeling/analysis as needed)
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• Assist in project management and co-ordination between our lab and collaborating investigators
• Assist in design and delivery of a Clostridial Genetics Summer Short Course
• Foster a safe, collaborative environment
• Develop and write reports, publications, and grants
• Attend and participate in research meetings/seminars and journal club
• Participate in career development training workshops/sessions and networking opportunities for research and mentoring
• Guide and mentor graduate or undergraduate students, including participation in training to improve these skills as needed.

It is expected that the postdoctoral associate will develop and execute a career development plan in coordination with the PI.

About our lab: The overarching goal of the Woolston lab is to engineer microbes for applications in sustainability and human health, with a particular emphasis on the use of non-model microbes and poorly studied metabolic pathways. We work within a diverse and supportive team environment, with trainees ranging from undergraduate students to postdoctoral associates. 

Qualifications:

Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar. Candidates should have extensive experience in bacterial genetics, in particular modern DNA cloning and synthetic biology workflows. All candidates should describe how they support a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment inside and outside the laboratory. This position requires excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and scientific, oral and written.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, and multi-project environment. The successful candidate will be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Expertise in anaerobic microbiology is a considerable asset, as is experience in protein purification and characterization.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.