Posted: 12-May-26
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Type: Full-time
Salary: 60,000.00 - 70,000.00
Internal Number: A-186498-3
General Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join Prof. Qingyun Dan's research group with a focus on synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and microbial biomanufacturing of high-value small molecules. The overarching goal of the lab is to develop a next-generation biosynthetic platform for scalable and sustainable production of specialty chemicals and novel-to-nature compounds. The postdoc will play a central role in one or more of the following research thrusts:
- Discovery and characterization of novel biosynthetic enzymes
- Engineering biosynthetic pathways using modular design principles and retrobiosynthesis
- Development of high-throughput strain construction and screening workflows
- Exploration of bioorthogonal or non-natural chemistry in microbial systems
The successful candidate is expected to independently design and execute research projects, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, contribute to grant writing and collaborative projects, and publish in high-impact journals. This position is ideal for candidates interested in building a future independent research program in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering and enzyme discovery.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
- Strong background in at least one of the following: Metabolic engineering, Enzyme characterization, Natural product biosynthesis.
- Demonstrated ability to design and troubleshoot biological systems
- Strong publication record and communication skills
Salary Range
The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
Total Rewards
Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.
Pre-Employment Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification.
EEO is the Law:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.
The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
