PREP0003769 Cell-free Expression System Metrology Researcher

PREP Research Associate

Opportunity No.: PREP0003769

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

APPLY ONLINE HERE

Cell-free Expression System Metrology Researcher

Project Description:

The Materials Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified U.S. Citizens to support the Cellular Engineering Group and NIST Engineering Biology Program, by leading projects to develop measurement assurance for cell-free expression systems from diverse samples, including reconstituted and microbial samples. Leads the development of characterization assays for cell-free systems. Assists automating reagent preparation, cell-free reaction assembly, and characterization, using the NIST Living Measurement Systems Foundry (LMSF) and other laboratory automation. Analyzes experimental and simulation data, including uncertainty and other statistical analyses. Documents and manages protocols, data, and analyses. Regularly presents and discusses progress with the larger organization.

Key Responsibilities: 

• • Lead, plan, and carry out difficult and complex assignments in cell-free expression systems and RNA circuits with limited supervision
  • Develop new methods, approaches, and procedures in cooperation with coworkers or advisors
  • Completed work has a sound overall approach and effectively meets requirements
  • Communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders to plan and share work outputs

Desired Qualifications: 

• • U.S. Citizen Preferred
  • Ph.D. in chemical engineering, bioengineering, cell biology, chemistry, physics, synthetic biology, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, microbial culture, reconstituted and lysate-based cell-free expression systems, and synthetic/engineering biology
  • Demonstrated leadership and management of technical projects and programs
  • 5 years of relevant experience
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Other Details:

• • Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
  • Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
  • Duration: this is expected to be a seven-month position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.
  • For questions related to the research project or the nature of the work in this position, please contact Dr. Eugenia Romantseva (eugenia.romantseva@nist.gov). For questions related to the online application or NIST PREP more generally, please contact msu-nistprep@morgan.edu.

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.

Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.