Postdoctoral Scholar in Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technologies
The Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the BioMEMS Laboratory led by Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang (For information about the lab, see: https://me.jhu.edu/thwang/). We seek a highly motivated, independent researcher to lead scientific efforts and technology development on microfluidic-based in vitro diagnostics for bloodstream infections under a NIH-funded project.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently lead and collaborate on research projects spanning human infectious diseases, especially bacterial bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance.
- Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments; develop and validate nucleic acid and microbiological assays for diagnostics.
- Contribute to the development, prototyping, and testing of microfluidic devices and related workflows.
- Help advance technologies toward clinical laboratory implementation and regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA EUA/510(k)).
- Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
- Prepare progress reports and present results to collaborators and sponsors.
- Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
- Contribute to competitive grant and contract proposals to federal agencies (e.g., NIH).
- Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety practices at the BSL‑2 level.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in microbiology, infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated track record in the in vitro diagnosis of human and/or animal infectious diseases.
- Experience working in BSL‑2 laboratories, including safe handling of blood samples and infectious materials.
- Expertise in microbiological assays (e.g., culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
- Expertise in molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR, digital PCR, LAMP, RPA, CRISPR‑based assays).
- Experience designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices and platforms (e.g., cleanroom microfabrication, laser cutting, thermoforming, 3D printing) and in microscopy-based characterization.
- Proficiency in data analysis and computational tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
- Strong written and oral communication skills and a record of publishing and presenting research.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead junior researchers and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)
- Prior experience with clinical microbiology workflows and familiarity with regulatory pathways for diagnostic devices.
- Experience with technology translation, commercialization, or interactions with industry partners.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with NIH FY2026 standards (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-26-044.html). For information on benefits, visit: https://engineering.jhu.edu/studentaffairs/postdoctoral-fellows/services-and-benefits/.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest describing research experience and goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references with the subject line “Postdoc Application – Your Name – Infectious Disease Diagnostics” to both Prof. Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang (thwang@jhu.edu) and Prof. Kuangwen Hsieh (khsieh4@jhu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
EOE Statement
Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.