POSTDOC FOR SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY AND GENERATIVE BIOLOGY

Postdoc for Synthetic Biology and Generative Biology
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Postdoc Positions:
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (postdoc)

Location

Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Open Date

Jan ‎10, ‎2023

Description

Laboratory of Applied Virology and Precision Medicine, led by Prof. Fabian
Schmidt
Who we are:
We are impact-driven bioengineers who tackle the challenge of reproducible
precision delivery of molecular cargo to any specific cell type in the human
body. Revolutionary advances in genome editing and cell manipulation tools
await their translation into the clinic, but current vector technologies are
insufficient.
We believe it requires radically new approaches to realize the full potential
of viral vector gene therapy and democratize these technologies in precision
medicines. With an innovation ecosystem that fosters interdisciplinary eorts,
core facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, and generous baseline
funding at the KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KAUST), we
are ready to pursue this venture.
KAUST's culture embraces a healthy work and life balance. The university
campus is located on the Red Sea's shores, built to protect the fragile
coastal ecosystem, which includes a coral reef. KAUST's campus sets
exceptional standards for residences and recreational facilities. Expats at
KAUST are very well looked after, and postdoc packages include free
accommodation, relocation, annual flights, and various additional incentives.
Position Description:
We are searching for outstandingly creative, curiosity-driven, and resourceful
individuals to help us accomplish our mission. Led by an experimental
virologist, our group utilizes the vast spectrum of virus diversity and
directed evolution to probe for optimal engineering solutions in mammalian
systems with the full use of synthetic tools.
Under bespoke supervision and mentoring, new team members start on defined
projects but have a significant amount of freedom to explore, take chances and
follow their own scientific pursuits and passions. Our endeavor requires an
unprecedented level of interdisciplinary eort. Our group, therefore, is an
excellent choice for multidisciplinary scientists seeking to apply and
innovate forefront technologies as part of a team while building the
foundation of their own research independence.
What we offer:
* Conduct cutting-edge biomedical research in a state-of-the-art environment.
* Access to supreme core facilities and research infrastructure with the possibility to receive
* training on diverse instruments by experts in their fields.
* Skill diversification, e.g. programming courses in AI/ML and data visualization.
* Proactive mentorship and career development.
* A vibrant international research environment that nurtures innovators and entrepreneurs.
* A generous compensation package, including a competitive tax-free salary.
* A healthy work-life balance in a work-play-live environment.
We are looking for an independent scientist, who is passionate about synthetic
biology and generative biology, and is excited by the opportunity to be part
of our mission. Applicants must be keen to initiate and foster internal and
external collaborations to realize the impact of their project.
The successful applicant has the drive and endurance to accomplish daring
projects and, as a relentless problem solver, iterates quickly with
exceptional technical competence. The candidate will pride themselves on
conducting rigorous research to the highest standards. They are well
organized, can manage multiple project workflows simultaneously, and report
well-curated high-quality data in a timely manner.
Your primary responsibilities include cellular/molecular screens/assays (e.g.,
live-cell imaging, bioluminescence assays, digital PCRs, NGS) and the
translation of gained insights into the generation of novel cell lines and
vector formats (e.g., synthetic genomics, protein engineering,
cloning/assembly workflows, cell line development).
You will work closely with computational experts to establish innovative,
high-throughput, high-fidelity screening platforms using a combination of
multimodal imaging, computer vision, and lab automation platforms that govern
entire workflows (e.g. ThermoFisher momentum software scheduling Hamilton
liquid handlers and high-end imaging and flow cytometry). Good interpersonal
skills are a must. Enthusiastic participation in the team's idea creation,
literature research, data gathering, hypothesis development, prototyping,
validation, and calibration is expected.
The position is fully funded and initially available for up to three years but
can be renewed based on performance.
Our lab is embedded in the BESE division and part of the KAUST BioE
program . Taking aim at boosting public health and disease prevention we are
contributing to KAUST 's Smart Health Initiative .
KAUST is an international graduate-level research university dedicated to
advancing scientific and technological education and research. KAUST addresses
problems of human need, social advancement, and environmental sustainability.
With a strong stand in the STEM disciplines , KAUST fosters collaborative
and interdisciplinary research with an infrastructure for biotechnology
entrepreneurship.
It was built as an urban vision and has already recruited world-class
students, faculty, and researchers from over ‎100 nationalities. The result is
a network of talent that enables radically dierent perspectives.
With holistic support for creative minds and unmatched per capita endowment,
KAUST has quickly it has become one of the fastest-rising universities for
high-quality research output, ranking as number six of the Nature Index's
leading ‎150 young universities by article share in ‎2020.
For more information, see National Geographic: Episode ‎1 - Episode ‎2 - Episode
‎3 - Episode ‎4

Qualifications

Position Requirements:
* a doctoral degree in synthetic biology, molecular biology, virology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or related fields with no more than four years of postdoctoral research experience.
* significant experience in molecular biology and cell culture.
* demonstrated ability to generate and pursue independent research ideas.
* Evidence of research activity resulting in publications and presentations is highly desirable.
* effective writing and presentation skills in English.
Advantageous skills:
* Expertise with viruses/viral vectors (e.g., AAV, Adenoviruses, Herpesviruses)
* Expertise in quantitative fluorescence microscopy and bioimage informatics/data processing.
* Expertise in protein engineering including protein modeling (RoseTTAFold, AlphaFold)
* An entrepreneurial personality with the mindset to identify major unmet technological needs and the drive to generate valuable intellectual property and turn new ideas into marketable solutions

Application Instructions

Application should include:
* Single Page Cover letter
* CV including a list of publications
* Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers for three reference persons

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search.
Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all
application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free
of charge.