We are hiring a postdoc for SAXS research-- please apply!
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION
Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Characterization Facility (MCF) are searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join their team. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to explore high-throughput structural assessment of DNA nanotechnology while also engaging the broader research community as the small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) specialist in the MCF. In the Taylor Lab, you will investigate approaches for high-throughput synthesis as well as SAXS-based characterization of DNA origami nanostructures. As the SAXS specialist, you will be the primary point of contact for the Xenocs Xeuss 3.0 SAXS instrument by supporting users through leading training sessions, providing guidance on techniques and data analysis, and running samples on behalf of external/remote users.
Apply through the Careers @ Carnegie Mellon (posting #2021872)
Your core responsibilities will include:
Design, synthesize and characterize a variety of nucleic acid nanostructures and machines
Collaborate effectively to provide nanostructures to collaborating researchers
Communicate findings in weekly meetings, at conferences, and in journal publications.
Engage the SAXS user base by providing training and interacting with and providing assistance to internal and external users, including changing configurations as needed.
Maintain and coordinate the maintenance of the SAXS with the Xenocs team and also support troubleshooting on the instrument
As needed, train junior Taylor lab members in essential research skills such as the design, synthesis and analytical techniques used for DNA origami.
Other duties as assigned
Your time will be split evenly between the Taylor Lab and MCF:
Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
PhD in materials science, chemistry, engineering, physics or related discipline is required.
Graduate level research experience with SAXS is required.
Prior experience with DNA nanotechnology is preferred.
Expertise with one or more SAXS analysis programs (RAW, XSACT, SAXSUtilities, SAXSview, TVIEW, etc.) is preferred.
Also OriginPro, Powerpoint, Excel are valuable software skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and a passion for research are required.
Must possess an eagerness to learn new techniques and lead projects independently.
Start date: As early as September 2024 and we will be reviewing applications throughout the summer and fall until the position is filled.
To begin the conversation with Prof. Taylor and the MMBL about this position, please email "joinmmbl@gmail.com".
