Job Description

The CXFEL Laboratories and the lab of Prof. Ros invite applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Research Scholar position for developing sample delivery approaches matching the needs of new endstations at the Compact X-Ray Light Source (CXLS) as well as the Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) at Arizona State University (ASU)The scholar will be working with an international team of experts developing novel science capabilities enabled through the biological endstations at the newly established x-ray instruments ( biodesign.asu.edu/cxfel/). Preference will be given to those candidates with expertise and strong interests in sample delivery approaches for protein crystallography at synchrotron or XFEL instruments and experience with microfluidics and polymer micromachining.

This is a fixed-term, fiscal year (twelve-month) appointment with an anticipated flexible start date of April 1, 2025. There are no tenure implications. Renewal of this position is based upon satisfactory performance and availability of resources. The position is for one year and can be extended based on performance. Candidates must be within four years from receipt of their doctoral degree. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Inquiries concerning the search should be addressed to the Dr. Alexandra Ros ( aros2@asu.edu).

Essential Duties

The projects the successful candidate will be contributing to will match the endstation capabilities and requirements. The first of its kind X-ray sources at the CXFEL labs require targeted sample delivery approaches. The candidate will develop sample delivery devices in suitable materials that are vacuum compatible and allow protein crystallography. The candidate will also be involved in developing sample delivery devices for time-resolved crystallography where fast mixing of reactants with protein crystals is required. The aim is to integrate these novel devices into the experimental endstation and design their functionality to comply with the repetition rate of the X-ray source. Cutting-edge molecular movies of proteins reacting with their substrates will then be studied in the novel sample delivery devices with collaborators at the Biodesign Institute, ASU and externally.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Qualified applicants must hold a PhD within 4 years of receipt in the field of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field by the start date of the position.
• Demonstrated Evidence of effective scientific communication through conference papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference or workshop presentations, or preprints.
• Demonstrated Experience with photolithography and microfabrication techniques as well as microfluidic device assembly and fabrication.
• Demonstrated Experience in sample delivery at synchrotron or XFEL instruments.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated Experience with polymer microfluidic devices and embossing techniques.
• Demonstrated Experience with actuation principles in microfluidic devices.
• Demonstrated Experience with multilayer microfluidic device assembly.
• Demonstrated Experience with clean room work, specifically, wet and dry chemical etching.
• Demonstrated Experience with protein crystallization.
• Demonstrated Experience with standard chemical wet lab practices.
• Demonstrated Experience with data analysis expertise using scientific programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.

Application Instructions

Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials:

• Cover letter
• A complete curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number).

The initial application deadline is Wednesday March 26th 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/

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