USA: Postdoctoral Research Associate

We are looking to hire a post-doctoral fellow for a clinically-relevant transdisciplinary project between Cal-Tech and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC) in the department of pathology. Our translational group focuses on microfluidic point-of-care diagnostics and techniques for high-throughput analysis of pathology tissue. The postdoctoral fellow will have streamlined access to human pathology samples from cancer clinical trials and nanotechnology materials and equipment.

Key Qualifications:
-Candidate should have already completed a Ph.D. program in a relevant field (bioengineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc).
-Candidate should be available to interview at USC and/or Cal-Tech and to start work as soon as possible.
-Candidate should have an interest and/or experience in microfluidics and the development of high-throughput systems for integrated point-of-care diagnostics.
-Strong interest in clinically relevant projects focused on integrating nanosystems with cancer biology.
-Demonstrated ability to work independently on interdisciplinary projects and to quickly and efficiently acquire new technical skills outside the sphere of primary training.
-Valuable, but not required: Experience with hands-on assay design and optimization of PCR methods, fluorescence microscopy, and/or photolithography.
-Energetic, proactive, results-oriented, and self-motivated team player with strong organizational skills.
-Ideal candidate will be adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing, following through, and thinking on his/her feet.

Key Responsibilities:
-Provide scientific expertise in microfluidic design across the fields of physics, biology, and engineering.
-Independently invent, design, fabricate, and characterize microfluidics components and be responsible for all stages of device development while simultaneously embracing and contributing to improvement initiatives aimed at time and cost reduction, improvement of robustness and reliability, and removal of non-value-added steps.
-Implement previously developed test protocols, investigate modifications and improvements, validate procedures, and document possible technological advancements.
-Develop and maintain internal and external collaborations and work with others to provide training, technical support, consultation, and vetting of next-generation concepts and technology.
-Liaise as required with the collaborative team and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to proactively prepare publication-quality results and deliver effective presentations, reports, and publications as appropriate.

To apply, please submit a CV with a list of publications and three references.

Valuable, but not required: Experience with hands-on assay design and optimization of PCR methods, fluorescence microscopy, and/or photolithography.