Description
Regular Full-time, Pay Grade 00
Post-Doctoral Research Associates in Synthetic Biology
(Five positions available)

The Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology is seeking five (5) post-doctoral research associates to work in the laboratories of Dr. Scott C. Lenaghan and Dr. C. Neal Stewart, Jr. at the University of Tennessee.
The projects are currently funded by DARPA, DOE, USDA, and NSF awards and cover a variety of areas with a primary emphasis on pushing the limits of synthetic biology with regards to advanced gene regulation and biosensor development in plants and protozoal parasites. The projects are highly interdisciplinary and prior experience with plants or protozoa is not required, as yeast and bacterial systems are commonly used to validate components and drive innovation in more complex systems.
Applicants will focus on utilizing synthetic and molecular biology approaches to solve real-world challenges facing the energy, medical, agricultural, and biotechnology sectors. As the projects are high-risk, high-reward, and focused on achieving aggressive milestones, applicants must be capable of thinking ‘outside the box’ and meeting designated deadlines.


Qualifications
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering or a related-field. Candidates who are in process of obtaining the degree may be considered but degree must be conferred by Summer 2020 with official transcript provided as verification. 
Post-doctoral applicants must have demonstrated experience (publications) in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bio-engineering or a related-field to be considered for this position. Preference will be given to applicants with strong publication records, considerable drive and motivation, and excellent problem-solving skills. 
Due to the diversity of projects, applicants should specify in the cover letter their preferred research direction from the descriptions below:
•Engineering logic circuits in plants to control heterologous gene expression for a variety of applications
•Assembly of large synthetic DNA molecules for metabolic engineering in non-model species
•Development of high-throughput, automated cell culture and analysis systems for protozoal pathogens
•Development of plant or cross-kingdom biosensors for environmental monitoring in the built environment
•Plant metabolic engineering for the production of high-value compounds in duckweed
The Lenaghan and Stewart labs and the Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology at UT provide outstanding research facilities and a highly stimulating interdisciplinary research environment including a large team of postdocs, technicians, and graduate and undergraduate students. 

Positions are full-time with benefits and available immediately for one-to-two years (depending on the immediate best-fit project) with a possibility of renewal for up to four years based on performance and continued funding. Salary is based on experience and qualifications according to UT policy. 
How to apply:
Interested applicants should send an introductory email with CV to Dr. Lenaghan (slenagha@utk.edu) and apply at https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions/. Applicants should include: 1) a cover letter stating the applicant’s research experience, interests and possible starting date, 2) a CV, and 3) the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references. 
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity


Job: Research Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Food Science Research
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Jul 14, 2021, 3:43:45 PM