Doctoral Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary/Basic Function:

This position is housed within the Applied Magnetics and Photonics Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Karthik Srinivasan in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will lead the development and characterization of multiplexed electrochemical biosensors designed for the high-resolution detection of drugs, biomarkers, and antigens in complex biological samples. This role involves spearheading research into nanomaterial-integrated sensing layers and advanced electrochemical detection schemes to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, and longevity of real-time diagnostic tools. The fellow will perform independent research while collaborating on interdisciplinary initiatives, bridging the gap between fundamental electron transport processes and clinical applications in therapeutic monitoring, oncology and neuroscience.

This is a temporary position with an anticipated duration of 1.5 years, with the option of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. The expected start date is July 2026.

Level Scope:

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher's training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:
Fabricate and test multiplexed biosensors using protein-specific or antigen-specific surface modifications.
Perform and analyze electrochemical oxidation/reduction studies to validate drug-dependent or biomarker-dependent electron transfer and sensor response.
Synthesize and characterize nanoparticles of various configurations to optimize sensing layer configurations, assess performance and biomolecule-binding affinity in complex analytes.
Develop and test spin-selective sensing schemes to extract spin-polarized currents and improve signal-to-noise ratios.
Assess sensor longevity, resolution, and limits of detection within complex analytes.
Drive the experimental aspects of the materials discovery pipeline to enhance sensor resolution and detection limits.
Publish high-impact research in leading peer-reviewed journals in biosensing and nanomaterials.
Work closely with collaborators in the Biomolecular Research Center at Boise State.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experiment research methods, written and verbal communications.
Assist in preparation of collaborative and independent grant proposals and help with progress reports for funding agencies.

35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:
Solve emerging research challenges in the project area, as applicable.
Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
Lead small teams or mentor students in the development of discrete sub-projects towards fulfilling the goals of the larger goal of the project.
Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Perform other duties as assigned to support the lab's broader research mission.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Basic
The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
Excellent project and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.
Preferred
Expertise in electrochemical characterization techniques such as cyclic voltammetry or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to investigate interfacial electron transfer kinetics.
Hands-on experience with synthesis methods for shape- and size-controlled nanoparticles, and expertise in self-assembled monolayers, covalent binding strategies for nanoparticle-biomolecule immobilization.
Experience with enzyme kinetics, protein binding assays, quantification of molecular dissociation rates.
Knowledge of spin-to-charge conversion, chirality-induced spin selectivity, spin-polarized electron transport.
Skilled in the use of SEM, TEM and spectroscopy for nanomaterial, and thin film characterization.
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, OriginPro, R or a similar data-processing tool for data analysis and visualization.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $55,057.60 to $62,232 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Cover letter that clearly and concisely connects the candidate's professional goals to the job qualifications.
Curriculum vitae demonstrating professional preparation, research skills and products.
Contact information for three professional references.
Representative first-author publications demonstrating expertise in relevant areas.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/