Rutgers University–New Brunswick

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. Job Purpose The Research Fellow will lead the development of a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform for rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation processes. The role involves aptamer discovery, nanomaterial-based SERS sensor development, and integration with microfluidic systems for real-time monitoring of cleaning validation washout fluids. Opportunities to contribute to patent filings, translational research, and commercialization pathways will be available. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Design and screen high-affinity ssDNA aptamers targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Develop nanoparticle-based SERS substrates (Ag/Au nanoclusters) for enhanced Raman signal detection. Design and fabricate microfluidic sensing interfaces for continuous monitoring of cleaning validation fluids. Perform sensor validation using Raman spectroscopy, microbial cultures, and cleaning validation samples. Develop data analysis pipelines for Raman spectral classification, potentially integrating machine learning methods.  Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to achieve project milestones. Lead prototype development and performance optimization of the SERS biosensor system. Communicate research outcomes through technical reports, conference presentations, and scientific publications. Collaborate with industry partners and interdisciplinary research teams where applicable.  Operational Responsibilities Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations. Manage procurement of specialized equipment and research consumables.  Mentorship Mentor research engineers, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers. Contribute to training activities within the research group. Others To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor.  Job Requirements Essential PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or related fields. Strong publication record in biosensors, nanomaterials, Raman spectroscopy, or microfluidics. Demonstrated experience in nanoparticle-based biosensor development or SERS sensing platforms. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for microfluidic device design. Experience with Raman spectroscopy instrumentation and spectral data analysis.  Preferred Experience in microfluidic chip fabrication (soft lithography, PDMS, or micro-machining). Experience with aptamer selection or molecular recognition elements. Experience applying machine learning to spectral data (Raman, LC–MS, or similar). Experience working on translational or industry-linked research projects.

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.  Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation. Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.  Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required. Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization. Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development. Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples. Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development. Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation. Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting. Operational Responsibilities Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines. Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables. Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Mentorship Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.  Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group. To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples. Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques. Preferred  Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).  Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects. Key Competencies Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.  Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets. Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Good organizational and project management skills.

Job Description DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS The JC STEM Lab of Neuronal Circuit Dynamics under the leadership of Prof. Thomas Knopfel is inviting applications for several Postdoctoral positions: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in theoretical or computational neuroscience / Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in mouse in vivo experimental neuroscience / Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in molecular experimental neuroscience (23240033) Understanding how adaptive and maladaptive behavior emerges from the operation of neuronal circuits is a central topic across different sub-disciplines within neuroscience. Our laboratory's research program capitalises on the establishment of cutting-edge optical technologies based on engineered molecular reporters that convert electrical signals of neurons into optical signals. Electrical signals captured from the brain of mice while they engage in different behaviors such as perception, learning and execution of tasks, as well as social interactions are analysed using advanced computational methods to address and derive theoretical models and predictions. For this line of research we are seeking several postdoctoral researchers to work synergistically both within the team and with our collaborating teams. The work will entail using novel neurotechnology and approaches to conduct multi-level investigations to address big questions in neuroscience. Successful candidates will be a part of a highly interdisciplinary collaborative teamworking environment that values effective communication, integrity and equality. i) Theoretical/computational neuroscientist (one post) We seek a theoretical/computational neuroscientist with a strong mathematical and computational background. Candidates with an interest in understanding the overlap and differences between natural and artificial intelligence are particularly encouraged to apply. ii) Mouse in vivo experimentalist (one post) For in vivo experimental work, we wish to recruit a skilled experimenter with strong biological background and an analytical approach to technical challenges. Previous experience with mouse in vivo experiments is necessary. Previous experience with neuronal activity optical imaging, particularly head-fixed imaging, is desirable. iii) Molecular experimentalist (one post) At the molecular level, we work on the premise that the physical substrate of mind sets (diversity of personalities) involves epigenetic modification in neuronal circuits3. To test this emerging research field and to interface work in line with the above theoretical and experimental neuroscience topics, we are seeking an individual with experience (or strong interest) in nanopore based DNA methylation analysis and previous bioinformatics training. Requirements: PhD in a STEM subject. Candidates with degrees in neuroscience, data science, bioinformatics, and computational biology are particularly encouraged to apply; Knowledge of scientific background relevant to the research area; Original research published or under revision in a reputable journal; Good English communication skills and strong critical thinking ability; and Ability to prioritise and work collaboratively in a diverse workforce. Please address informal inquiries to Prof Thomas Knopfel via email tknopfel@knopfel-lab.net. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Optical voltage imaging in neurons: moving from technology development to practical tool. doi: 10.1038/s41583-019-0231-4. Cortex-wide spontaneous activity non-linearly steers propagating sensory-evoked activity in awake mice. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111740. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioral_epigenetics Application Procedure: Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for interview 8 weeks after submission of application may consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the University's Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.  The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the posts advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer.  Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.