Postdoctoral Research Associate - Engineering
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington, DC, USA · Danforth, ME, USA
Posted on Sep 16, 2025
Position Summary
We are seeking a qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team, working on both NSF ERC and DOE cyanobacterial bio grants. The successful candidate will focus on sustainable waste treatments and bio-productions. Key responsibilities include conducting fermentation, bioreactor operations, and cell growth analysis using imaging, OD analysis, and HPLC metabolite measurement. Additional duties involve microbial population analysis (16sRNA), chemistry analysis (N, P, metals), and statistical modeling.The role also entails lab management, including cleaning and safety monitoring, student mentoring, proposal and paper writing, and guest teaching for a bioprocess engineering class. The candidate will be responsible for project coordination and reporting.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Trains under the supervision of a faculty mentor including (but not limited to):
- Work under both NSF ERC center and DOE cyanobacterial bio grant, focusing on sustainable waste treatments and bio-productions.
- Fermentation, bioreactor operations and cell growth analysis (imaging and OD analysis, HPLC metabolite measurement).
- Microbial population analysis (16sRNA). Chemistry analysis (N, P, metals).
- Statistical modeling.
- Use of large language model for knowledge synthesis and RAG.
- Lab management, cleaning and safety monitoring, and student mentoring.
- Proposal and paper writing.
- Guest teaching for bioprocess engineering class.
- Project coordination/reporting.
Salary Range:
Base pay is commensurate with experience.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Driver's License:
More About This Job
Required Qualifications
Experience with large language models for knowledge synthesis and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Skills:
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.