Postdoctoral Research Associate - Protein Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, seek candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate position.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 600 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to respect and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

The research project for this position will involve designing de novo proteins that pattern semiconductor nanomaterials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in recombinant expression, protein purification, and biochemical characterization. Other preferred experience includes gene manipulation techniques, such as PCR, mutagenesis, cloning by ligation, and Gibson assembly. Optional but not required experience includes inorganic-protein interactions, biolayer interferometry, and computational protein design. In this position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with a vast network of scientists and engineers, including experts in material science and machine learning.

Required Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or related fields.
- Experience with recombinant expression, protein purification, and biochemical characterization.

- Ability to mentor junior team members, and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety
- Excellent communication skills

- Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams

- Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times

- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience in gene manipulation, protein design and biolayer interferometry.

About the College of Engineering:
Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/chemical/ .

FLSA Status: Exempt
ORP Eligible: Yes