About the Opportunity

SUMMARY

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct research in the field of Plant Medicinal Natural Product Biochemistry in our dynamic and interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge project involving the study of bioactive natural products from medicinal plants. The primary focus will be on elucidating biosynthetic pathways, genomics, enzymology, and reconstitution of pathways in Nicotiana benthamiana .

This role will perform basic or applied research of a limited scope, primarily using existing theories and methods. Assists the supervisor in the interpretation and publication of results and grants.  Maintains the laboratory and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff.  Primary responsibility is ensuring that the research is complete. The appointment generally does not extend beyond two years.

Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; be able to undertake substantially full-time research or scholarship; work under the supervision of a senior scholar. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Assisting in initiating, executing, and completing clinical research and experiments (60%);
• Preparing and writing research papers, presentations, and grant proposals (25%);
• Performing laboratory management (5%); and
• Training graduate students (10%).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conducting advanced research in plant medicinal natural product biochemistry, with a focus on the characterization and reconstitution of biosynthetic pathways in Nicotiana benthamiana;
• Developing and implementing state-of-the-art genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics methodologies to investigate and engineer natural product biosynthesis in plants;
• Isolating and characterizing enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of bioactive natural products;
• Preparing and presenting findings of research activity to internal team, and at academic and industry conferences;
• Collaborating closely with other team members and stakeholders to achieve research objectives;
• Publishing research results in high-quality scientific journals and contributing to the writing of research proposals; and
• Continually updating knowledge and understanding in field or area of focus, including related disciplines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, or a related field;
• Proven experience in the field of plant medicinal natural product biochemistry;
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, genomics, and other modern biochemical techniques;
• Expertise in metabolic pathway analysis and biosynthetic gene cluster discovery;
• Familiarity with N. benthamiana transformation, genetic manipulation, and agroinfiltration;
• Strong record of high-quality publications in related scientific fields;
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills; and
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently and to quickly adjust to changing priorities.                                                                                                                                                                         

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .