Essential Job Duties:    
The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University is supported by a $30 million grant award from the Bezos Earth Fund. The Center comprises a dynamic, collaborative team of researchers, educators, practitioners, trainees, and staff led by Professor Rohan Sirwaiker, Co-Director & Chief Scientific Officer, and William Aimutis, Co-Director & Chief Operating Officer. Together with academic and industry partners, the Center will advance research, workforce development, and outreach related to the biomanufacturing of diverse types of sustainable proteins while serving as a global knowledge and networking hub.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research related to precision fermentation, protein chemistry and process engineering science to improve manufacturing processes and food ingredient functionality.

The primary responsibilities for this role include:

• Conducting research in the areas of molecular biology, microbiology, protein characterization and bioprocessing.
• Keeping track of the latest scientific and engineering developments in bioindustrial and food manufacturing.
• Leading the development of manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations, and communicating with various stakeholders.
• Supporting the Center’s workforce development activities including mentoring of students in food ingredient production and characterization projects.
• Contributing to the Center’s public engagement and outreach activities.
• Performing standard lab management functions including procuring supplies for research projects.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contributing to curriculum development and guest lecturing in relevant academic and professional courses.
• Contributing to annual reports to be submitted to the sponsor, as needed.

Current appointment is for 1 year, with a possibility of an extension depending on performance and continuation of funding.

This position will report to both Dr. Kurt Selle and Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM with additional hours as needed

Department Required Skills:

• Ph.D. in engineering or life science (e.g., chemical engineering, bioengineering, food science, biochemistry, microbiology, or related discipline)
• Strong oral and written communication skills demonstrated through professional presentations and technical publications.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, actively communicate, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and work well within teams.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and Google Workspace.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Experience in genetic engineering of bacterial or fungal hosts
• Experience with the purification and characterization of recombinant proteins
• Knowledge in plant science, biochemistry, food science and technology, and/or human nutrition
• Experience in upstream bioprocessing including the use of bioreactors
• Previous industry experience (full time or internship/coop)

About Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State University

The Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at North Carolina State University is supported by a $30 million grant award from the Bezos Earth Fund. The Center comprises a dynamic, collaborative team of researchers, educators, practitioners, trainees, and staff led by Professor Rohan Shirwaiker, Co-Director & Chief Scientific Officer, and William Aimutis, Co-Director & Chief Operating Officer. Together with academic and industry partners, the Center will advance research, workforce development, and outreach related to the biomanufacturing of diverse types of sustainable proteins while serving as a global knowledge and networking hub.

Connections working at Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein at NC State University