In order to apply for this position, please attach your CV, contact information for three (3) professional references, and a written statement (1 page max.) describing your previous research experiences, research areas of interest and career goals.

Position Summary

The Microtechnologies Laboratory for Pediatric Oncology in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University has an open postdoctoral fellow position, to be co-advised by Dr. Julea Vlassakis and Dr. Antonios Mikos. The goal of the lab, just opened in July 2021, is to discover targeted therapies for fusion oncoprotein-driven pediatric cancers by designing micro and nanoscale technologies to probe protein interactions and conformations. A $2 million Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar Award (PI: Vlassakis) will fund the position through May 2026. The position will have a flexible start date around December 2021.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead an interdisciplinary project that aims to determine structural features of disordered fusion proteins for drug discovery. To innovate in structural biology instrumentation, this project integrates nanomaterial and microfluidic design. The fellow will have access to and will collaborate with the Baylor College of Medicine CryoEM Core, just minutes away within the Texas Medical Center. Additionally, they will have full access to equipment in the Biomaterials Lab (bml.rice.edu) and the Shared Equipment Authority at Rice (including cleanroom nanofabrication equipment).

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization and polymer science. Experience in research involving biomolecules (e.g., protein purification, biofunctionalization or bio-drug delivery) is required. The candidate should have strong written and oral communication skills, evidenced by their previous publications and presentations. As a key senior team member, the candidate will also be expected to aid in the supervision of junior lab members and in the preparation of research proposals. The candidate will be mentored in application for competitive internal and external postdoctoral fellowships.

Essential Functions

• Research nanomaterial properties and biomolecule confinement to inform design
• Design and prototype microdevices with nanomaterial interfaces
• Investigate design parameters that reduce conformational heterogeneity of proteins in cryoEM
• Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
• Mentor and train junior research team members, such as PhD candidates, masters students and undergraduates
• Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Assist with launch of the lab, including equipment setup, protocol development and role modeling best practices in rigorous science, record-keeping, lab safety and being a team player in the lab.
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions or disciplines
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD in bioengineering, materials science and engineering, chemistry or a related field
• Expertise in materials synthesis, fabrication and characterization techniques
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and drive to tackle challenging technical problems and complex biological questions drawing from literature, carefully designed experiments and models
• Comprehension of basic principles of protein structure and mass transport
• Strong interest in developing expertise in microfluidic assay design and fabrication and cryoEM sample preparation and structure determination
• Strong listening and verbal communication skills and ability to present in group meetings and conferences
• Enthusiasm for leadership, assisting team members and creating a collaborative working environment
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively and professionally
• Strong written communication and understanding of manuscript and peer review process

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic principles of structural biology
• Familiarity with micro and nanofabrication techniques
• Keen interest in advancing drug discovery for pediatric cancers

In order to apply for this position, please attach your CV, contact information for three (3) professional references, and a written statement (1 page max.) describing your previous research experiences, research areas of interest and career goals.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.