2024 - PhD Graduate Postdoc - Cellular, Molecular, Microbiologly/Biochemistry - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Do you marvel at the complexity of biology and seek to develop new develop new applications that are based on novel protein chemistries?

Do you love performing laboratory experiments in the areas of cellular biology, molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry with an interdisciplinary team of scientists focused on application development in the national health and defense mission areas?

If you answered yes to these questions, we're looking for someone like you to join our team, in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking an Cellular, Molecular, Microbiologly/Biochemistry Postdoctoral Fellow to develop and execute strategies for setting up genetic screens, performing rational and combinatorial mutagenesis approaches, structure-guided protein design, protein mutant library development, the design and execution of high-throughput functional protein screening assays. 

As part of the Biological Sciences Group in the Research Exploratory Development Department, this position is at the forefront of APL's mission to provide critical contributions to critical challenges. A highly motivated and dedicated Cellular, Molecular, Microbiologist/Biochemist Postdoctoral Fellow will be able to contribute to building extraordinary expertise in pursuit of challenges in areas of defense and national health.

As a Cellular, Molecular, Microbiologly/Biochemistry Postdoctoral Postdoctoral fellow, you will:

• Conduct basic and applied research and development for the design and execution of genetic screens, rational and combinatorial mutagenesis, structure-guided protein design, protein library development, design and execution of largescale protein functional screens.
• Collaborate closely with data scientists and computational biologists to engineer and isolate novel proteins.
• Interpret data, maintain accurate and comprehensive records, and be able to succinctly communicate key findings to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Have demonstrated quantitative and scientific thinking as evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Support study design, execution, and data analysis as a technical leader.
• Mentor associate staff for their growth and to achieve results as a technical leader.
• You will work on a diverse, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative team to achieve the success of APL’s mission.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• Have a PhD in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.
  
• Have expirience setting up and executing genetic screens in bacteria and/or yeast.
  
• Have experience in protein engineering and design techniques using in silico
• Are proficient in both rational and combinatorial mutagenesis strategies for protein engineering and design.
• Have experience in protein purification workflows and biophysical protein characterization.
  
• Possess a strong leadership aptitude, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, a demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, and a history of building strong professional relationships.
• Possess strong technical leadership attributes evidenced by a track record of executing challenging objectives and team leadership responsibilities that have expanded over time.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

In addition, if you…

• Are adaptable and enthusiastic about new challenges, have an innate curiosity, and a passion for learning along with a collaborative mindset that is open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback.
• Possess a strong leadership aptitude, including excellent and succinct written and verbal communication skills with a diverse range of individuals and audiences, a demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, and a history of building strong professional relationships.
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills, and technical leadership attributes evidenced by a track record of executing challenging objectives, critical thinking and the ability to lead and contribute to teams from any position within a highly collaborative environment.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• Have experience working with mechanical proteins and/or in the development of protein-based materials.
• Have experience working with proteins and other signaling cues involved in the life-cycle biology of plants and/or marine invertebrates.
• Have experience with the genetic modification of non-canonical organisms including Archea and marine organisms.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.