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Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States

Dr. Caroline Ajo-Franklin’s lab in the Department of BioSciences is looking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate in protein self-assembly at interfaces.

The Caroline Ajo-Franklin lab uses biophysics and synthetic biology to engineer and understand the interface between living microbes and non-living materials. We are particularly interested in the autonomous assembly of materials to create functional, sustainable materials. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to join the S-LATTICE project. The S-LATTICE project aims to develop a generalizable manufacturing platform that programs microbial surface layer (S-layer) proteins to assemble into macroscopic, defect-free, metal-coordinating 2D frameworks for advanced applications. This is a rapid, milestone-driven effort. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations.

Playing a central role in this project, the postdoctoral research associate will lead efforts to create large, defect-free 2D S-layer protein crystals. The candidate will be primarily responsible for developing and optimizing protocols to assemble purified S-layer proteins into crystals at the air-water interface and coordinating with collaborators to quantitatively assess the order of these crystals. To this end, the candidate will need to express and purify S-layer proteins using established methods and develop new methods for secretion of heterologous protein in multiple bacterial organisms. They will communicate results at team meetings, prepare results for reports and publications, and assist with the group's management of the lab and its resources. Thus, the ideal candidate will have a strong track record of collaborative, multidisciplinary research in protein self-assembly and strong communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and optimize protocols to assemble purified S-layer proteins into crystals at the air-water interface.
• Clone, overexpress, and purify candidate S-layer proteins in Escherichia coli using existing methodologies; engineer secretion-based production systems in monoderm and diderm bacteria.
• Analyze lattices with established techniques. Prepare samples for collaborators to quantitatively assess the short- and long-range order of the assembled crystals.
• Meticulously document, analyze, and maintain research data.
• Communicate results with the research group, the S-LATTICE team, our research sponsor, and at national and international meetings.
• Publish and present research findings, and assist with writing of grant proposals.
• Participate in lab management, organization, and safety as guided by the staff.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• An innovative, resilient scientist comfortable with taking on "moonshot" challenges and translation into scalable manufacturing.
• Familiarity with self-assembly using Langmuir troughs or the physical chemistry of proteins at liquid-air/liquid-solid interfaces.
• Understanding of recombinant protein expression, secretion, and biochemical analysis.
• Knowledge of electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) and ellipsometry to characterize nanoscale lattices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation.
• Able to publish scholarly papers and present ongoing research.
• Prefers to work in a collaborative environment with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strategic with project and time management, including the independent ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized with data management, including providing clear accessibility of data and protocols to others.
• Understanding and adherence to lab safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a wide range of microbial chassis, including E. coli, B. subtilis, and C. crescentus.
• Experience with surface-layer proteins or other lattice-forming proteins.
• Experience with assembly of lipid films and protein-lipid interactions.
• Knowledge of cryo-EM, AFM, and X-ray scattering techniques (GI-WAXS, SAXS).
• Has successfully mentored junior lab members.
• Experience managing and maintaining research equipment.