Job Details

Post Doc Research Associate in Protein & Metabolic/Genome Engineering

Position Number: 6800108
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

Post Doc Research Associate in Protein & Metabolic/Genome Engineering
Lubbock
43237BR
Plant and Soil Science

Position Description
Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

Major/Essential Functions
We seek a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research in protein engineering and metabolic/genome engineering strategies to develop next-generation enzymes and microbial strains for crop improvement. The successful candidate will have a strong and demonstrated background in enzyme modeling and engineering, metabolic engineering, and genome editing using tools such as CRISPR/Cas. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of synthetic biology, computational biology, and industrial biotechnology.
Key Responsibilities:

Design and engineer proteins with improved or novel functionalities using rational and computational approaches.
Perform in silico enzyme modeling and structure-guided mutagenesis.
Apply metabolic engineering strategies to optimize microbial production pathways.
Utilize genome editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, base editors) for strain development and pathway modification.
Collaborate closely with computational biologists, molecular biologists, and industrial partners.
Analyze data, prepare reports, and contribute to publications and patents.
Present findings at internal meetings and external conferences.

Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with high-throughput screening techniques.
Familiarity with systems biology tools and omics data interpretation.
Prior involvement in collaborative projects.
Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience in protein engineering and enzyme modeling (e.g., Rosetta, AlphaFold, PyMOL).
Proven expertise in metabolic engineering of microbial hosts (e.g., E. coli, yeast).
Proficient in genome editing techniques and molecular cloning.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Special Instructions to Applicant

The initial appointment is for one year, renewable based on performance and project continuation.
Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.
Opportunities for professional development and industry interaction.

For further inquiries or questions related to posting, please contact
Damar Lopez-Arredondo,
Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST),
Department of Plant & Soil Science,
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, Lubbock, TX, 79409
Email: Damar.Lopez-Arredondo@ttu.edu

Minimum Hire Rate

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.