Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

Seeking 2 Postdoctoral Fellows in Chemistry/Biophysics/Biomedical Engineering
Salaita Lab · Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA)
 
The Salaita Lab in the Department of Chemistry at Emory University is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to advance new tools for probing and controlling molecular forces in living systems. This position is part of the NIH‑funded Center on Tools for Molecular Mechanotechnology (CPMM)—a multidisciplinary center that unites leading academic groups and industry partners to accelerate discovery at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Design and lead an independent research project that develops or applies force‑responsive probes, DNA‑based sensors, or advanced microscopy to understand mechanochemical signaling in cells.
• Operate and innovate with state‑of‑the‑art optical, fluorescence, and force‑spectroscopy microscopes housed in the CPMM core facilities.
• Collaborate closely with CPMM teams across partner institutions and companies; share reagents, data, and expertise to drive center‑wide milestones.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Publish results in high‑impact journals and present findings at national/international meetings
• Contribute to the translational mission of CPMM by exploring pathways for technology transfer and industrial adoption.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Engineering, or Biochemistry.
• Desirable expertise (but not required):
• DNA nanotechnology
• Fluorescence, FRET, & single‑molecule microscopy
• Mechanobiology, force-spectroscopy
• Bioconjugation chemistry, nucleic‑acid chemistry
• Quantitative image analysis, MATLAB/Python scripting, or machine learning for microscopy
• A strong publication record showcasing past track record of productivity is highly desirable.

APPOINTMENT & BENEFITS:

• Initial one‑year appointment renewable annually for up to three years based on performance and funding.
• Salary at or above current NIH NRSA scale plus full Emory benefits
• Access to cutting‑edge instrumentation, career‑development workshops, and CPMM network of academic and industrial mentors.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email a single PDF to Prof. Khalid Salaita (k.salaita@emory.edu) with the subject line “Postdoc Application – CPMM” containing:

Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing research interests and fit for the position
 
Curriculum vitae with full publication list
 
Brief (≤1‑page) research statement or summary of past accomplishments
 
Contact information for three references
 
Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Flexible start date in 2025.
 

ABOUT EMORY & ATLANTA:

Emory University is a top‑ranked research institution in the vibrant, diverse city of Atlanta. The campus fosters cross‑disciplinary collaboration through initiatives like the Winship Cancer Institute, Emory + Georgia Tech biomedical partnerships, and numerous core facilities. Atlanta offers a high quality of life, rich cultural scene, affordable cost of living, and easy access to global travel.
 

NOTE: Position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location; working remote is not an option. Emory reserves the right to change this status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.