Position Overview
Merrimack College is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate with plant molecular biology and biotechnology background to work on a newly funded project to investigate the mechanism of silver nanoparticles translocation in L. esculentum. The primary aim of this project is to understand how exposure to nanomaterials influences the expression of membrane transporters proteins and genes, employing techniques such as RT-q-PCR and immunofluorescence imaging. The study also encompasses an examination of plant cell anatomy and the chemical content of xylem sap.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Investigate the expression of membrane transporter proteins and genes in response to silver nanoparticles.
- Independently collect, review, and analyze data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Regularly communicate with the PI to review project performance and status.
- Maintain a comprehensive and detailed lab notebook.
- Supervise undergraduate research projects within the laboratory.
- Analyze and interpret microscopic images, preparing them for publication.
- Derive key results and conclusions from data, and archive the data systematically.
- Write manuscripts detailing project results and effectively present findings at conferences.
- Collaborate with the PI to complete reports and publish work in peer-reviewed journals.
- Work with the PI to teach up to one introductory level bio lab per academic year
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in plant biotechnology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
- Proficiency in primer design, plant RNA extraction, PCR and RT-q-PCR, electrophoresis, and confocal microscope imaging.
- Familiarity with software tools such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Graphpad Prism, and image analysis software like Image J.
Application Materials Should Include:
- Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Join our mission
Join us in our innovation and knowledge creation. We believe in the power of research to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives to transform society and change lives. By focusing on the development of research clusters, labs, and research centers, we aim to create an ecosystem that fosters collaboration, drives technological advancements, and contributes to solving global challenges.
Vaccinations and Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Catholic and Augustinian mission and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries. The College features more than 100 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, the Winston school of education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 240-acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in the towns of North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 33rd in the Regional Universities North category in 2024. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
