Postdoctoral Associate, BioSciences

About the Role

Dr. Caroline Ajo-Franklin’s lab in the Department of BioSciences is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate for the S-LATTICE project. This project aims to develop a manufacturing platform that programs microbial surface layer (S-layer) proteins to assemble into macroscopic, defect-free, metal-coordinating 2D frameworks. This is a rapid, milestone-driven effort funded by an Advanced Research + Invention Agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize protocols to assemble purified S-layer proteins into crystals at the air-water interface.
• Clone, overexpress, and purify candidate S-layer proteins in Escherichia coli using existing methodologies.
• Engineer secretion-based production systems in monoderm and diderm bacteria.
• Analyze lattices with established techniques.
• Prepare samples for collaborators to quantitatively assess the order of assembled crystals.
• Meticulously document, analyze, and maintain research data.
• Communicate results at team meetings, prepare results for reports and publications.
• Assist with the group's management of the lab and its resources.
• Publish and present research findings.
• Assist with writing of grant proposals.
• Participate in lab management, organization, and safety.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with self-assembly using Langmuir troughs.
• Familiarity with the physical chemistry of proteins at liquid-air/liquid-solid interfaces.
• Understanding of recombinant protein expression, secretion, and biochemical analysis.
• Knowledge of electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) and ellipsometry to characterize nanoscale lattices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation.
• Ability to publish scholarly papers and present ongoing research.
• Strategic with project and time management, including the independent ability to meet deadlines.
• Organized with data management.
• Understanding and adherence to lab safety standards.
• This position is exclusively on-site in Houston, Texas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a wide range of microbial chassis, including E. coli, B. subtilis, and C. crescentus.
• Experience with surface-layer proteins or other lattice-forming proteins.
• Experience with assembly of lipid films and protein-lipid interactions.
• Knowledge of cryo-EM, AFM, and X-ray scattering techniques (GI-WAXS, SAXS).
• Experience managing and maintaining research equipment.
• Has successfully mentored junior lab members.