Postdoctoral Position in Dr. Michael J. Betenbaugh's Lab

Are you excited to tackle unsolved challenges in filamentous fungal biotechnology and biomanufacturing? Join Michael Betenbaugh's research lab to develop and strengthen some of the most in-demand experimental research skills in academia and industry today.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic research team. The successful candidate will lead an experimental project focused on improving filamentous fungi as platforms for the production of valuable biomolecules. The research will combine fungal cultivation, strain engineering, molecular biology, bioprocess development, and advanced analytical techniques to identify and overcome biological and process bottlenecks. A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, or a related field is desired.

• Johns Hopkins offers an outstanding environment for life sciences research, with a dynamic community spanning biomolecular engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, microbiology, and medicine.
• Standard Johns Hopkins employee benefits.
• Baltimore is one of the most affordable and livable cities on the US East Coast.
• The Betenbaugh Laboratory offers extensive opportunities to collaborate with industrial partners across the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
• Become part of the AMBIC biomanufacturing center, directed by Prof. Betenbaugh, and participate in AMBIC conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Laboratory alumni have advanced to positions at major companies, including Genentech, Merck, Pfizer, and GSK, as well as emerging startups such as DrAl and Biolinco.
• The initial appointment period is one year, with the expectation of two or more years in total.
• Supportive mentoring environment with regular one-to-one meetings with Dr. Betenbaugh.

More information about the Betenbaugh Lab is available at https://www.betenbaughlab-jhu.com/.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Conduct literature reviews on filamentous fungal biology, strain engineering, fermentation, and biomanufacturing technologies.
• Design and perform experiments to improve fungal growth, productivity, product quality, and process robustness.
• Culture filamentous fungi in shake flasks and bioreactors and evaluate the effects of media composition and process conditions.
• Apply molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques to modify and characterize fungal production strains.
• Use analytical methods to quantify growth, substrate consumption, metabolite production, and product yield and quality.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to identify biological and process bottlenecks and guide subsequent experiments.
• Prepare and present research findings through journal articles, conference presentations, and internal reports.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental workflows, results, and methodologies.
• Communicate research progress and findings to academic and industrial collaborators.
• Assist in mentoring graduate students and junior researchers within the team

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field
• Background in molecular biology, virology, and protein expression helpful
• Capacity to manipulate baculovirus and rAAV t

- Advanced microscopy, mathematical modeling, and machine learning techniques.

- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and experimental design.

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

In Interfolio, applicants should upload a CV, cover letter detailing their research experience and interests, and contact information for three references. The statement should state why the Betenbaugh lab is a good fit for your career trajectory.

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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Pre-Employment Information

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Background Checks

After receiving a conditional offer, the successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification. When deciding whether a candidate's conviction history is job-disqualifying, the University considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought.

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Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Exceptions to the seasonal flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine (for SOM) requirement(s) may be provided to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions that preclude them from receiving the vaccine. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those candidates who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.