Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – University of Pennsylvania (PENN)

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We have multiple openings for Postdoctoral Fellow and other positions in the Machine Biology Group (MBG) at UPenn. The MBG provides an ambitious but supportive environment that is based on teamwork. The candidates will develop novel technologies and methods for advancing the design, discovery, and exploration of peptide therapeutics using experimental and computational tools. We also seek additional candidates to develop low-cost and rapid electrochemical biosensors and diagnostics for infectious diseases. The candidates will closely collaborate with a transdisciplinary group of experts in Organic Chemistry, Peptide Science, Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Biophysics, Computational Biology and Chemistry, Electrochemistry, and Engineering.

Job duties and responsibilities for Synthetic Chemists:

• Identify, develop, and implement methodologies for the synthesis and characterization of amino acids and new amino acid derivatives.
• Perform and establish new strategies for synthesizing and characterizing peptide sequences with both canonical and non-canonical amino acid derivatives.
• Characterize chemically and biologically the molecules created.
• Proactively mentor and assist other lab members.
• Apply traditional and novel synthesis methodologies and data analysis tools as necessary.
• Communicate methods and results to research fellows and stakeholders with diverse expertise and backgrounds.
• Write research articles and grants, prepare, and organize data, graphics, and presentations upon request.

Education requirements for Synthetic Chemists:

• D. in Organic Chemistry, Peptide Science, Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience developing and establishing synthetic routes for organic compounds, peptide molecules, and biomacromolecules.
• Experience and strong working knowledge of chemical and biophysical characterization of organic compounds (NMR, CD, FTIR, HPLC, MS, SPR, ITC).
• Experience with automated systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Job duties and responsibilities for Computational Scientists:

• Identify, implement, and develop machine learning algorithms to advance the design, discovery, and development of peptide therapeutics.
• Develop machine learning models for organic synthesis reactions.
• Communicate effectively with experimental scientists to conduct validation studies.
• Proactively mentor and assist other lab members.
• Apply traditional and novel computational methods as necessary.
• Communicate methods and results to research fellows and stakeholders with diverse expertise and backgrounds.
• Write research articles and grants, prepare, and organize data, graphics, and presentations upon request.

Education requirements for Computational Scientists:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in machine learning, computer science, computational biology, or computational chemistry, or related discipline.
• Experience developing and applying a wide range of machine learning algorithms and packages (e.g., TensorFlow, scikit-learn, etc.).
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) including successfully requesting supercomputer allocations.
• Experience working with experimentalists preferred.
• Experience using Unix/Linux and Python.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Job duties and responsibilities for Electrochemists:

• Identify, develop, and implement methodologies and technologies for the detection and monitoring of pathogens using diverse electrochemical, colorimetric, or nanotechnological approaches.
• Develop new chemical and biological sensors.
• Characterize chemically and biologically the sensors created.
• Proactively mentor and assist other lab members.
• Apply traditional and novel chemical methodologies and data analysis tools as necessary.
• Communicate methods and results to research fellows and partners with diverse expertise and backgrounds.
• Write research articles and grants, prepare graphics, and presentations upon request.

Education requirements for Electrochemists:

• Sc. or Ph.D. in Electrochemistry, Electroanalytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience developing and establishing sensors.
• Experience and strong working knowledge of chemical characterization of sensors (FTIR, SPR, SEM, TEM, etc.).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

https://delafuentelab.seas.upenn.edu/

Diversity & Inclusion

At the Machine Biology Group (MBG), diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential and at the heart of who we are. Together, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, the MBG team envisions a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our team members.

Machine Biology Group

The MBG is a transdisciplinary research laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania that combines the power of machines and biology to understand, prevent, and treat disease. Current application areas in the lab include developing novel approaches for antibiotic discovery, building tools for microbiome engineering, and creating low-cost diagnostics.