Nanomaterial-enhanced bacterial synthetic biology
Postdoc: Interface bacteria with nanoparticles to remotely control genes, boost metabolism/production, and enhance cell strength.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance and health insurance available. Typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to conduct multidisciplinary research interfacing bacterial synthetic biology with bioconjugated nanomaterials for remote gene control, enhanced metabolism, and cell robustness.
Key Information: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required; competitive application through NRC Research Associateship Program; contact adviser before applying.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on the intersection of nanomaterials and bacterial synthetic biology. The project aims to interface bacterial cells with bioconjugated nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and quantum dots to enable remote control of gene expression, enhance bacterial metabolism and bioproduction, and improve cell robustness.
The research is highly multidisciplinary, involving:
- Nanoparticle synthesis and bioconjugation
- Bacterial synthetic biology and metabolic engineering
- Characterization of bacterial-nanoparticle interfaces using biological, chemical, and physical techniques
Successful candidates should have expertise in bacterial metabolic engineering, gene regulation, molecular biology, and bacterial cell culture. Experience in multidisciplinary teams is essential. Desirable skills include bacterial optogenetics, bacterial-electronic interfacing (electrogenetics or extracellular electron transfer), and interfacing bacteria with devices or nanoparticles.
Awardees will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at NRL and are expected to be self-motivated with strong communication skills. This position is offered through the National Research Council (NRC) Research Associateship Program, which provides prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at federal laboratories.
