Postdoctoral Research Associate
Core
Develop and optimize a rapid tuberculosis diagnostic platform (REFtb) based on Mycobacterium tuberculosis beta-lactamase BlaC and fluorogenic substrate chemistry.
Role type
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Biochemistry/Enzymology)
Builds
Diagnostic assays and reagents for point-of-care or field-deployable tuberculosis detection
Domain
Microbiology, Biochemistry, Diagnostic Technology
Required skills
Protein expression and purification, Enzyme kinetics, Fluorogenic probe design, Reagent formulation, Analytical techniques (FPLC, HPLC, SDS-PAGE), Data analysis
Preferred skills
Structural biology (crystallography), Beta-lactamase expertise, Assay validation in complex matrices, Lyophilization, Multidisciplinary collaboration
Technologies
FPLC, HPLC, SDS-PAGE, Recombinant systems, Chromatographic methods
Responsibilities
Design and execute experiments to optimize REFtb diagnostic reagents and workflows; Express, purify, quantify, and characterize BlaC proteins; Conduct steady-state and inhibition enzyme-kinetics studies; Evaluate activity and selectivity of fluorogenic BlaC substrates; Develop and validate assays in clinical matrices (sputum, urine, stool); Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentation materials; Mentor student researchers
Seniority
Postdoctoral, independent researcher with mentorship duties