Research Associate - Mellon College of Science - Biological Sciences
On-site · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Job Summary
Research Associate in the Zhao Biophotonics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University’s Mellon College of Science (Pittsburgh campus). Design, clone, express, and purify fluorescent protein variants; screen libraries for improved photostability using high-throughput fluorescence microscopy and plate-reader assays; engineer capsid constructs for gene delivery and optimize yield/solubility in E. coli. Perform standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, transformations, gel electrophoresis), maintain electronic lab notebooks, analyze imaging and biochemical data with ImageJ/Python/MATLAB, assist with expansion microscopy experiments, and contribute to figures, reports, and manuscripts. Requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field and hands-on experience in molecular biology and fluorescence workflows. This is a full-time, fixed-term staff position located in Pittsburgh, PA, with benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, tuition benefits, and other campus resources. The role emphasizes independent and collaborative work within a dynamic research environment, supporting projects related to fluorescent protein engineering and gene-delivery systems.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related field
- Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, protein expression)
- Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and/or fluorescent protein biology
- Strong attention to detail; ability to maintain thorough laboratory records
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
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