Postdoctoral Associate - Nugen and Goddard Research Groups

Academic Job Description

Department of Food Science

Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Applications are sought for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the Nugen and Goddard Research Groups, Cornell University, Department of Food Sciences.

Position Function

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research on protein engineering, including bioconjugation chemistry, protein/enzyme engineering, expression, purification, and characterization to perform in human health, food, and agriculture applications. The Postdoctoral Associate will utilize techniques such as: computational and experimental rational design, plasmid construction, analysis of Sanger and Whole Genome sequence data, transformation of vectors into expression systems, Western blot and other characterization methods of engineered proteins. Projects include developing methods to genetically engineer bacteriophages and study their proteins and host interactions. The scientist will also design methods to immobilize enzymes and characterize their performance under conditions of intended use. The scientist is also expected to write manuscripts for publications which detail the findings of the research. The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to perform in a high-paced, creative, inclusive, and team-oriented research environment.

Anticipated Division of Time

The scientist is expected to spend 100% of their time in protein/enzyme engineering research related to molecular biology of bacteriophage proteins and biocatalytic systems and associated lab support activities. The tasks include conducting independent research, leading and advising junior scientists in the lab, writing results into peer-reviewed publications or patent applications, supporting grant writing, and designing new experimental methods.

Supervision Exercised

The scientist will report directly to Professors Nugen and provide support to the current Lab Manager in maintaining a safe, inclusive education environment for lab members, including supporting equipment management and trainings. As part of their day-to-day lab duties, the scientist is expected to supervise and advise a team consisting of graduate and undergraduate students. This supervision includes assistance with protocols, adherence to safety standards, experimental design, execution, and interpretation of results.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in food science, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or similar field.

Additionally, applicants must have:

• Expertise in enzyme & protein engineering
• Demonstrated experience in molecular/synthetic biology
• Demonstrated use of bioinformatics software and molecular biology tools for data analysis and experimental design
• Experience in applications driven protein engineering is strongly preferred
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ability to conduct independent research in an inclusive, collaborative environment is essential

* Ability to lead a diverse team of graduate and undergraduate students

* Strong publication record

* Experience in grant writing is strongly preferred

Application Materials Required:

CALS hiring range for this title is $61,008.

Logistics:

Employer: Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY

Start Date: TBD

Application Deadline: None. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Length of Appointment: 1 year, with subsequent renewals depending on performance and the availability of funds

Time Commitment: Full time

Contact Information:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.