The Associate Research Scientist will oversee molecular biology and electrophysiology experiments to develop novel optical biosensors of environmental and physiological signals. The work will include designing, making, and modifying genetically engineered bioluminescent and fluorescent bacterial strains (e.g., E. coli, V. fischeri) and mammalian cell lines (e.g., HEK-293, B-cell and β-cell lines, iPSC-derived cell lines) and their phenotypic and functional in vitro validation. He/she will also design and implement mutagenic strategies for the directed evolution of novel biosensors and develop high throughput optical and electrophysiological pipelines for functional characterization of candidate constructs. Other tasks include academic publishing and project management.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Strong publication record
• Expertise in molecular engineering, prokaryotic and mammalian cell culture (primary and immortalized cell lines), designing and operating high throughput, cell-based, protein evolution workflows, automated optical systems
• At least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience in a related field.

Application Instructions

All candidates MUST apply through the Columbia University website using the following link: https://academic.careers.columbia.edu/#!/161265