Postdoctoral Research Scientist

 

 

The Materials Science and Engineering Department (MSE) at Boise State University seeks a postdoctoral research scientist with strong analytical and data analysis skills in the area of DNA Nanotechnology. A doctoral degree in DNA nanotechnology or a closely related field that includes, but is not limited to, biophysics, materials science, computer science, molecular biology, or biomedical engineering is required.

 

The funded research will focus on designing, synthesizing, and characterizing DNA-based chemical reaction networks and molecular machines for biomedical applications.  DNA-based chemical reaction networks require the development of molecular components that self-assemble into integrated chemical circuits capable of performing nucleic acid disease detection.  In comparison, DNA-based mo- lecular machines merge chemical/mechanical work with programmable function for biomedical applications.  Honed skills specific to DNA nanotechnology and at the interface between biophysics, materials science, computer science, molecular biologies, and biomedical engineering are required.

 

Specific DNA nanotechnology skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to: (1) design nucleic acid sequences using computational and simulation tools, (2) synthesize synthetic nucleic acids, (3) digest and ligate nucleic acids, (4) clone nucleic acids via recombinant technology, (5) design, synthesize, and characterize DNA-based chemical reaction networks, (6) design, synthesize, and characterize DNA-based molecular machines, (7) identify, purify, and extract nucleic acids using agarose and poly- acrylamide gel electrophoresis, (8) identify, purify, and extract nucleic acids using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), (9) handle, store, and prepare human serum and whole blood, (10) amplify and quantify short nucleic acids including micro RNA (miRNA) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and/or (11) measure nucleic acid hybridization and invasion reaction kinetics using fluorescence spectroscopy.

 

Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university offering an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees and expe- riences that foster student success, lifelong learning, community engagement, innovation and creativity. Research and creative activity advance new knowledge and benefit students, the community, state and nation.

 

Boise State has been listed as one of the top up-and-coming universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. From its earli- est days, it has been a place where students come first, with award-winning faculty devoted to excellent teaching and ground-breaking research and technology. Learn more about Boise State at www.boisestate.edu.

 

Located along the Boise River and at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boise offers remarkable scenery and natural resources that lend well to year-round activities like snow skiing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, and more. The Treasure Valley boasts temperate year-round weather, a thriving business community, cultural events, and a great family atmosphere.

 

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and contact information for at least three professional refer- ences to  MSEsearch@boisestate.edu.

 

Review of  applications  begins  on January 22, 2013  and  will  continue  until a qualified applicant pool is established. Boise State University and the MSE Department are strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.

 

Boise State University is an EEO/AA employer, veterans preference may be applicable.