Skip Navigation

Working at MIT offers opportunities that just aren’t found anywhere else, including generous and unique benefits that help to ensure that MIT employees are healthy, supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work/life balance. Discover more about what it's like to work at MIT.

We welcome people from all walks of life to bring their talent, ideas, and experience to our community. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds – like yours. If you want to be part of our exceptional, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community, then take a look at this opportunity.

Postdoctoral Associate, Sikes Lab
  • Job Number: 19795
  • Functional Area: Research - Scientific
  • Department: Chemical Engineering
  • School Area: Engineering
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • Employment Category: Exempt
  • Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes
  • Schedule:


Job Description

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Chemical Engineering, to join the Sikes Lab, which combine expertise in applied molecular biology and protein engineering techniques with engineering fundamentals to develop new technologies for medical diagnostic testing.  The research will be focused on detection of proteins that indicate disease or the presence of pathogens in complex fluids, within minutes and at an affordable cost.  Responsibilities will include designing and testing new genetic constructs and characterization of the engineered proteins they encode, with the goal of inventing superior medical diagnostics for detecting human pathogens, including those that have acquired antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  The project includes protein engineering via rational and evolutionary techniques (library screening), protein expression, and biochemical assays. 

Job Requirements
REQUIRED:  Ph.D. or its equivalent) in chemical or biological engineering, biology, or related field; experience with biochemistry and molecular biology, including cloning, protein chemistry, and microbial cell culture; quantitative skills; self-motivation; a desire to learn new skills and techniques; strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and proficiency in English communication and excellent technical writing skills.  Must be able to work closely with and respond to the dynamic needs of industrial collaborators, function both independently and as part of a team, carefully document and maintain work in detailed written records, contribute in a multidisciplinary team setting, prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a dynamic environment, and execute detailed technical protocols meticulously.  An ideal candidate will have demonstrated research and leadership accomplishments relevant to the project.  Job #19795


Application material must include a C.V., cover letter, and contact information for three references.

This is a one year appointment with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and funding availability.


6/29/21