Post Doctoral Research Associate Protein Engineering & Genome Editing

Lubbock

41436BR

Plant and Soil Science

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.
The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions

We seek a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary team focused on advanced protein engineering and genome editing. This position is part of an industry-funded project to develop next-generation enzymes and microbial strains for crop improvement.
The successful candidate will have a strong and demonstrated background in enzyme modeling, metabolic engineering, and genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas systems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of synthetic biology, computational biology, and industrial biotechnology.
Key Responsibilities:
* Design and engineer proteins with improved or novel functionalities using rational and computational approaches.
* Perform in silico enzyme modeling and structure-guided mutagenesis.
* Apply metabolic engineering strategies to optimize microbial production pathways.
* Utilize genome editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, base editors) for strain development and pathway modification.
* Collaborate closely with computational biologists, molecular biologists, and industrial partners.
* Analyze data, prepare reports, and contribute to publications and patents.
* Present findings at internal meetings and external conferences.

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

* Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
* Hands-on experience in protein engineering and enzyme modeling (e.g., Rosetta, AlphaFold, PyMOL).
* Proven expertise in metabolic engineering of microbial hosts (e.g., E. coli, yeast).
* Proficient in genome editing techniques and molecular cloning.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with high-throughput screening techniques.
* Familiarity with systems biology tools and omics data interpretation.
* Prior involvement in industry-academic collaborative projects.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Appointment Details:
* The initial appointment is for one year, renewable based on performance and project continuation.
* Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.
* Opportunities for professional development and industry interaction.
Application Instructions:
Please submit the following:
1. A cover letter detailing your research experience and fit for the position.
2. CV including a list of publications, and past and current positions.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
For further inquiries or questions related to posting, please contact
Damar Lopez-Arredondo,
Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST),
Department of Plant & Soil Science,
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY, Lubbock, TX, 79409
Email: Damar.Lopez-Arredondo@ttu.edu

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Research Staff

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.