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Postdoctoral Research Position in DNA-Enabled Nanocluster Architectures with Atomic Precision
Position overview
Application Window
Open date: October 11, 2024
Most recent review date: Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Oct 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Postdoctoral research position in DNA-enabled nanocluster architectures with atomic precision
Employer: University of California, Irvine
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Anticipated Position Duration: 2 –3 years
Job description: The Copp lab seeks an exceptionally creative, motivated, and collaborative postdoctoral scholar applicant. This research project develops a DNA-enabled platform to organize and dynamically control hierarchical assemblies of atomically precise nanoclusters, creating new functional materials with multi-length scale complexity and emergent properties, such as highly efficient energy transfer. The postdoctoral scholar will join a highly cross-disciplinary team of motivated researchers working on problems at the intersection of molecular nanomaterials, photonics, and biotechnology. In addition to advancing their research skills, this position also provides valuable opportunities for professional development through collaborations, leadership and mentorship development, scientific communication and writing, and proposal development.
The postdoctoral researcher will develop expertise in atom-precise synthesis and characterization of DNA-templated nanoclusters. DNA-directed strategies will be developed to organize atomically precise nanoclusters on DNA “breadboards.” Structural and optical properties of architectures will be characterized in detail by TEM, AFM, and fluorescence microscopy. In tandem, crystallography will be used to solve nanocluster structure, enabling computational modeling of nanocluster architectures through collaborations. The following qualifications are required for applicants:
- A PhD in chemistry, biomaterials science and engineering, or a related discipline. If not already received, a PhD must be earned before the position start date.
- Significant expertise in experimental DNA or peptide chemistry and/or self-assembly (e.g. DNA nanotechnology, origami, etc.)
- Expertise in microscopies for characterization of biomolecular assemblies (TEM, cryoEM, AFM, and/or fluorescence microscopy)
- Expertise in fluorescence spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy
The following areas of expertise are strongly desired for applicants:
- Protein or nucleic acid crystallography
- HPLC or related separations techniques
- Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
- Chemical synthesis of nanoclusters or other colloidal nanomaterials
- Nucleic acid functionalization
Applicant’s track record of innovation, creativity, and problem solving will be strongly considered in selection. For this reason, letters of recommendation will be evaluated in detail.
To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09355
Complete applications must include the following:
Cover Letter that delineates specifically how your expertise can be applied to the work in this lab and your career goals
Detailed CV, including a list of publications
At least three (3) letters of recommendation
Contact:
Professor Stacy Copp, Ph.D.
Molecular Nanomaterials Lab
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of California at Irvine
Email: stacy.copp@uci.edu
Qualifications
- A PhD in chemistry, biomaterials science and engineering, or a related discipline. If not already received, a PhD must be earned before the position start date.
- Significant expertise in experimental DNA or peptide chemistry and/or self-assembly (e.g. DNA nanotechnology, origami, etc.)
- Expertise in microscopies for characterization of biomolecular assemblies (TEM, cryoEM, AFM, and/or fluorescence microscopy)
- Expertise in fluorescence spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)
Inclusive Excellence Activities Statement - Statement addressing how past and/or potential contributions to inclusive excellence will advance UCI's Commitment to Inclusive Excellence. See our guidance for writing an inclusive excellence activities statement.
(Optional)Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Discrimination Declaration Form - All applicants of academic positions at the University of California, Irvine must download, complete, sign, and upload the following form with their application: Sexual Misconduct, Harassment and Discrimination Declaration Form
Misc / Additional (Optional)
- 3 letters of reference required
About UC Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.