Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a microbiology postdoctoral researcher to investigate how bacterial biomolecular condensates help cells sense and respond to environmental and metabolic stress, with the goal of uncovering new vulnerabilities for antimicrobial discovery. The position will combine in vivo and in vitro approaches to understand how factors such as metal stress, oxidative damage, and nutrient limitation influence the physical properties and function of these condensates, and how these changes affect RNA metabolism and cellular physiology more broadly. The researcher will also explore how BR-bodies interact with other cellular machinery to coordinate stress responses with core processes such as energy metabolism and cell cycle regulation. This work will draw on a range of techniques spanning biochemistry, live-cell imaging, and molecular biology, and may include screening approaches aimed at identifying small molecules that modulate condensate behavior. This position is well-suited for a candidate with a strong background in bacterial physiology, stress response and/or genetic manipulation of non-model bacterial systems that have a genuine intellectual curiosity about biomolecular condensates along with an eagerness to expand and use methods from synthetic biology and chemical biology approaches to study them

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute experiments investigating how metal stress and oxidative damage alter the biochemical and material properties of bacterial ribonucleoprotein condensates (BR-bodies), including their role in protecting key metabolic and RNA-degradation enzymes.

• Develop and apply genetically encoded biosensors and fluorescence-based assays to characterize condensate material and chemical properties, and function in live bacterial cells.

• Investigate how stationary phase physiology and acid stress, including metabolic and ionic changes, influence biomolecular condensate phase behavior and functions, using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches.

• Explore molecular-level interactions between BR-bodies and other subcellular condensates, in bacteria to determine how spatial organization of these compartments influences cellular processes including chromosome segregation and RNA metabolism.

• Contribute to the design and execution of small-molecule screening efforts aimed at identifying compounds that modulate condensate stability, in support of novel antimicrobial discovery strategies.

• Design and execute experiments investigating the intracellular delivery of DNA origami, gold nanoparticles, and other nanoscale materials into bacterial cells.

• Investigate molecular-level interactions between nanoscale materials and biomolecules, with a particular focus on biomolecular condensates.

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and ensure rigorous documentation of experimental protocols and results.

• Prepare and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and contribute to grant applications.

• Present research at group meetings, institutional seminars, and national/international conferences.

• Mentor and provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students as appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in microbiology or a closely related field (degree conferred prior to start date).
• Background in biochemistry techniques including protein expression, purification and characterization, and lipid extraction and profiling; Peptide synthesis, HPLC, TLC
• Additional background in non-model bacterial cultivation, mutagenesis, and biofilm characterization
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g., cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, protein expression)
• Experience using multiple cloning techniques for non-model bacteria including LIC, recombineering, and ORBIT
• Understanding of anaerobic bacterial cultivation, as well as work with bioreactors
• Base of knowledge in microbial community dynamics
• Experience with implementation of advanced imaging techniques including techniques like BONCAT-based and MiPACT-HCR
• Demonstrated ability to adapt techniques to available equipment and facilities
• Research conducted in bacterial model systems, with hands-on experience in cell culture, genetic manipulation, and live-cell imaging.
• Strong publication record commensurate with career stage, including first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates should submit the following materials

• Cover letter describing your research background, specific interest in this position, and career goals (maximum 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae that includes a complete list of publications.
• Contact information for two professional references who can speak to your research qualifications.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer.

• Cover letter describing your research background, specific interest in this position, and career goals (maximum 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications.
• Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your research qualifications.
• Research statement

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.