Postdoctoral Research Associate

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 Northeasterns 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 expects all lab members to foster a safe 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) 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 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 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 Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information. 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. Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 108S Expected Hiring Range: $59,423.00 - $83,934.50 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change. Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The systemwhich includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwideserves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The universitys residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeasterns personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectorsaligned around solving todays highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.