Description
The Postbaccalaureate Researcher is responsible for leading an independent project to advance an ongoing research program developing novel bioluminescent enzymes for imaging preclinical models of cancer. The successful candidate will spearhead protein engineering workflows while serving as a mentor within a vibrant, undergraduate-only laboratory environment. Lab work for this project will include, but is not limited to, molecular cloning, bacterial cell culture, biochemistry assays, pipetting, autoclaving, coding, organic synthesis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and computational data analysis.
This engagement is scheduled for one-year in duration for a post-baccalaureate term starting June 2026. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate seeking a "bridge year" to grow as a researcher and leader before applying to PhD, MD, or MD/PhD programs.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Reporting to the Assistant Professor of Integrated Sciences: Chemistry, Colin Rathbun, the Postbaccalaureate Researcher works independently to perform the following essential duties and responsibilities:
Lead an independent laboratory research project focused on the evolution and characterization of bioluminescent enzymes for imaging.
Execute protein engineering workflows, including molecular design, library construction, and mutant testing.
Synthesize polymer coatings for peptide-labeled quantum dots.
Lead or contribute significantly to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and assist with grant reporting.
Present research findings at a major national scientific conference (funding provided).
Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants, facilitating a collaborative lab culture and providing guidance on experimental troubleshooting.
Assist in lab management tasks such as inventory management, organizing group meetings, receiving and storing packages, etc.
Mentor undergraduate research assistants representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political opinions, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
The successful candidate will also be able to perform the following essential functions:
Take and follow directions.
Work cooperatively with others.
Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.
Display a positive attitude.
Balance multiple tasks and priorities.
Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field, or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 1-3 years of lab experience with experience working on an independent project is required. This can include, but is not limited to undergraduate research experience. Project leadership. Experience mentoring or tutoring undergraduate students is preferred.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge skills and abilities.
Technical Proficiency: EITHER demonstrated experience in PCR, molecular cloning, bacterial cell culture, and protein analysis (SDS-PAGE/gel electrophoresis) OR experience in organic chemistry lab skills including basic chemical synthesis and spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS).
Technical Growth: A strong desire and capacity to learn advanced techniques including High-Throughput Screening (HTS), synthetic biology techniques and the chemical tagging of enzymes with quantum dots.
Experimental Design: Understanding of experimental design, especially the rigorous use of controls.
Data & Analysis: Possesses ability to use (or interest in learning to use) computational data analysis tools such as Python.
Scientific Communication: Demonstrated ability to write scientifically (summarizing literature and proposing experiments) and the capacity to lead the drafting of manuscripts.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous documentation of lab processes in a laboratory notebook and the ability to execute complex protocols without error.
Leadership: Works well in a collaborative environment and effectively interacts with/mentors undergraduate students.
Safety: Following departmental safety training, performs work according to established safety protocols.
OTHER:
REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this temporary, full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Holiday, weekend and evening work hours will/may be required. Regular hours may vary due to needs of the College or division.
CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS: This is a full time, temporary, non-exempt, ACA benefits-eligible position.
Supervisor – AB1825: No
Mandatory Reporter – CA Penal Code: No
Responsible Employee – Title IX: No
Campus Security Authority – The Clery Act: No
IPEDS Category Job Code: 8868 - College - Academic Professional Employees & Clerical
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment include standing, reaching, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. May occasionally lift/push/pull items up to 20 lbs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Mentor and train undergraduate research assistants to help facilitate lab culture.
REPORTS TO: Assistant Professor of Integrated Sciences: Chemistry
BACKGROUND CHECK: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check. Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test. Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with the requirements cited in this job description.
ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
