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We are seeking an ambitious and driven Postdoctoral Associate excited to do cutting-edge research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics in the lab of Dr. Martin Jonikas at Princeton University. The Jonikas lab and collaborators are spearheading the molecular characterization of the pyrenoid, a mysterious phase-separated organelle that mediates a third of global CO2 fixation and that we aim to engineer into crops to dramatically increase yields. The lab has defined the pyrenoid's protein composition, discovered that it is a liquid-like organelle, characterized the structure and biogenesis of one of its three sub-compartments, the matrix, and developed a predictive model to guide its engineering. The lab has also developed community resources for the leading model alga Chlamydomonas, including a genome-wide mutant library and a systematic protein localization atlas. More information about the lab can be found at https://jonikaslab.princeton.edu/.
About the role:
The successful candidate will lead a research project seeking to make significant advances in basic understanding in an area related to ongoing work in the lab.
Projects are available in multiple areas, including the following:
- Membrane tubules feed the pyrenoid with concentrated CO2. How are these structures made, and how do they work?
- Engineering a pyrenoid into plants has the potential to increase crop yields. Can we engineer a functional pyrenoid into a heterologous organism?
- We are developing a new instrument with unprecedented capabilities for mapping the sub-cellular distribution of CO2 and other small molecules. What can we learn about the spatial distribution of metabolism using this tool?
- We have discovered dozens of uncharacterized protein complexes in the chloroplast. What are these complexes doing?
- What basic principles can we uncover by using the pyrenoid as a model system for phase-separated cellular condensates?
Application Instructions
Please include the following items as part of your application:
A cover letter including answers to the following questions: 1) How have you advanced scientific understanding in your previous work? 2) What questions are you most excited about? 3) How would working on them help launch you onto your future career goals? and 4) How do you see your skills and experience synergizing with the Jonikas lab?
Your curriculum vitae.
Names and contact information for at least 3 references.
PDFs of up to three most significant manuscripts.
What we provide:
Exciting projects with potential for both discovery of basic principles and real-world impact.
A nurturing, collaborative, and highly interdisciplinary environment, with frequent interactions with different flavors of biologists, physicists, and chemists.
Access to cutting-edge tools and experts in their use, including robotics, advanced quantitative mass spectrometry, super-resolution microscopes, cryoelectron microscopy and tomography, and a unique microscope under development for imaging the subcellular distribution of small molecules.
We aim to never be limited by resources - only by our creativity and time.
Labmates who are both outstanding scientists and nice, fun people.
A PI who values people, creativity, grit, teamwork, diversity, communication, work hard/play hard, productivity, mental health, safety, and constant growth.
One-on-one mentorship relationship with the PI.
Opportunities for co-mentorship by other Princeton faculty.
Access to collaborating local laboratories with complementary expertise in biological phase separation.
Access to outstanding international collaborators with complementary expertise in characterizing and engineering photosynthesis.
A vibrant town with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, hiking in New York and Pennsylvania, and the New Jersey shore.
What you'll do:
Define and lead your own research project.
Solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
Develop and maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
As needed, investigate, create, and develop new methods and technologies.
Design, execute, and interpret experiments that contribute to the project.
Prepare summaries, protocols, and quantitative analyses.
Mentor junior lab members.
Present your work at scientific conferences.
Publish your work in scientific journals.
What you bring:
Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline.
Independent judgment in developing, optimizing, and applying methods.
Ability to perform highly complex experiments with high levels of reliability and accuracy within time constraints.
Independent judgment in evaluating results.
Ability to review goals, analyze processes necessary to achieve those goals, and develop techniques and systems required to meet those goals.
Ability to navigate uncertainty.
Resilience to failure.
Courage to explore new areas.
Ability to supervise and mentor others.
Ability to work successfully within a collaborative and collegial environment and foster this ability in others.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Compensation Range
$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)Pay Type:
AnnualHHMI's salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.
