The Atkinson laboratory in the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute at Princeton University is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Atkinson lab focuses on using protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches to control gene expression and metabolism in cells. The position will be advised by Josh Atkinson and will work in close collaboration with the Avalos lab at Princeton.

The main responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate is to lead the design and implementation of experiments for a DARPA-funded project starting in Summer 2026. This position offers the opportunity to gain research skills in bioengineering and perform team-based research on a fast-paced project. The ideal candidate will have experience in optogenetics, protein engineering, engineering DNA polymerases, protein purification, in vivo growth selections/screens, directed evolution.

This position will allow for both professional and laboratory skill development as well as co-authorship on high-impact research articles. This is a 1-year term position, with opportunity for renewal depending on good performance and continuted funding of the project. The PI is devoted to developing a supportive research environment and fostering career development for all members of the lab.

Responsibilities

- Performing a variety of defined research and laboratory tests and experiments according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules and developing/documenting new laboratory protocols. All these activities should be done in accordance to Lab safety standards set by Princeton University as well as the Atkinson and Avalos labs.

- Recording data and performing data analysis; organizing data into figures. Regular reporting to Atkinson in individual as well as group meetings.

- Assisting and collaborating with other researchers in the lab as well as on the project team

- Establishing and maintaining laboratory equipment and inventories of supplies, reagents and samples.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.

Minimum required knowledge, skills, competencies and abilities:

- Ph.D. in bioengineering, synthetic biology, biophysics, or related field

- Prior experience working in a research environment

- Experience in working in a microbiology lab, molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology or equivalent.

- Effective communication skills

- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

- Expertise or interest in learning protein engineering techniques

- Must be able to manage own time and prioritize tasks.

- Growth mindset

- Safety conscious

- Minimum 1+ year work experience

Preferred knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and other education

- Experience in using optogenetic approaches, specialized biochemistry techniques, spectroscopy and microscopy techniques

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Proficient in Microsoft Office

- Proficient in Python or other scripting language

- Experience with safety practices in an academic laboratory environment desired

Applicants must include:

- Cover letter

- Curriculum vitae

- The names and contact information of three (3) references