Job Description

RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2, Biological Engineering-Synthetic Biology Center-Weiss Lab, to join an interdisciplinary research lab seeking to create integrated biological systems capable of autonomously performing tasks related to the activities of therapeutic agents for a variety of applications, including immunotherapy.  Will participate in government- and corporate-sponsored research in mammalian synthetic biology, including genetically encoded therapies that perform cell type classification and conditionally administer appropriate therapeutic molecules.  These mammalian genetic circuits will sense cell state, including miRNA levels, and implement multi-input logic regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Genetic circuits will be encoded on RNA replicons and distinguish between cell types such as lung cancer and T cells. Cell type identification will be based on determining an optimal combination of low and high miRNAs present or absent in the relevant cell types. Another level of control will be based on externally-administered small molecules that modulate the stability of regulatory RNA binding proteins. Will also engineer subgenomic promoters of RNA replicons for optimized tandem expression of constitutive and small molecule-regulated payloads in cancer and immune cells.  

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in synthetic biology/biological engineering/related discipline; four years’ synthetic biology, genetic circuit engineering, or related experience; comprehensive knowledge of imaging and quantification techniques, including flow cytometry and confocal and immunofluorescence imaging; ability to master cell biology techniques, including transient and stable transfection of mammalian cell lines, RNAi and miRNA gene knock-down, DNA cloning, sub-cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, and generating protein expression vectors; and ability to work collaboratively and independently.  PREFERRED:  primary cell and cell line cell culture experience; success leading research teams and working with industry collaborators; strong leadership/managerial/mentoring and scientific communication skills; and a history of publishing in journals.  Job #23808

This is a one-year position with the possibility of an extension based on the availability of funding.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

3/12/24

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