Open Positions

Job Postings

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OPEN POSITIONS:

CSB & MRSEC Postdoctoral Researchers – Job Description

The Center for Synthetic Biology at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois is seeking postdoctoral researchers working at the interface of biology, engineering, and materials science to join the team for up to three years with competitive salaries and travel support. The broad goal of the research is to develop programmable materials embedded with biological components to actuate, strengthen, or degrade upon exposure to triggers. Such materials have application from sustainable agriculture to wound healing.

For these positions, we seek highly motivated individuals that can contribute to i) biosensor design, ii) cell-free and/or membrane engineering to create cell-like vesicles, and/or iii) protein-based materials engineering. The success of this work depends on a highly interdisciplinary team, and candidates will work closely with Professors Julius Lucks, Danielle-Tullman Ercek, Neha Kamat, and Ashty Karim and other team members. Thus, applications from chemists, biologists, and engineers are welcome, and those with computational experience are also encouraged to apply. Candidates that have experience in cell-free systems, biosensors, artificial cells, protein and genetic circuit engineering, and AI/ML engineering approaches are particularly sought after.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter detailing their career ambitions and goals for a successful postdoc, along with his/her complete CV and the names of three references to csb@northwestern.edu with the subject heading “CSB-MRSEC Post-Doctoral Application”. Please note that letters of reference are not required at this time, and we will seek your permission before contacting your references.  

MBP Postdoctoral Researcher – Job Description

The Master of Biotechnology Program (MBP) at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois is seeking a teaching postdoctoral scholar with expertise in biochemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, and molecular biology to join the team under the guidance of experienced faculty. This instructional teaching program is designed to be a launching pad that prepares exceptional PhD scholars for successful careers in academia. Participants will be mentored by experienced Northwestern instructional faculty as they carry out teaching activities in fundamental or specialized biochemical engineering and biotechnology courses appropriate to their background. Although the position is designed to primarily give instructional training and experience via teaching 1-2 courses and/or course sections per quarter and/or develop new instructional materials, up to 20% of the postdoc’s time can be used to engage in scholarly pursuits in partnership and collaboration with Northwestern faculty. This is a full academic year appointment (September to June) starting in September 2024 with the possibility of a one-year extension contingent upon department need and satisfactory evaluations.

Eligible candidates must have Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, or a closely related field, and a passion for teaching. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated interest in university-level teaching, in laboratory-based instruction, and experience in bioprocess engineering and/or biotechnology.

Interested candidates should email (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume/curriculum vitae, 3) a diversity statement, 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) a copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree to mbp@northwestern.edu. If applicable, please attach a list of courses taught and/or courses requesting consideration to teach. Applicants should propose courses they are interested in teaching and the research area they would like to pursue, and be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses upon request. Review of applications will begin July 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

For further questions please contact MBP Director, Prof. Danielle Tullman-Ercek (ercek@northwestern.edu).