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Postdoctoral Research Associate in DNA-based Excitonics

A highly motivated and detail-oriented postdoctoral research associate is sought to lead cutting-edge experimental research on nanoscale light-harvesting and excitonic energy transfer in structured DNA assemblies. The postdoctoral research associate will work on the design, experimental synthesis, and structural and optical characterization of nanoscale light-harvesting and energy transport in the Laboratory of Mark Bathe in the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT  and work closely with the theoretical group of Prof. Alan Aspuru Guzik at Harvard University as part of the MIT Center for Excitonics.

The Bathe lab is working on developing new self-assembled DNA nano-architectures to scaffold chromophores in organizations that mimic and extend beyond natural photosynthetic systems. The lab uses a combination of computational approaches to design and predict the behavior of these systems and experimental approaches to test and validate the newly synthesized DNA-chromophore constructs. We are using extensive electrophoretic, structural, and spectroscopic approaches to characterize DNA-chromophore assemblies to enable next-generation design of biomimetic multi-chromophore systems for diverse applications in nanoscale science and technology.

Requirements: Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related field; extensive knowledge of and experience with advanced spectroscopy including circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and biochemical synthesis and characterization is essential. Wet-lab experience with nucleic acids is a major plus, as well as familiarity with structure-based computational design of molecular systems and quantum dynamical modeling. Strong interpersonal, communication, and scientific skills are required.

In addition to applying online with a CV and cover letter via the MIT website, please submit a letter of intent on how this position relates to your past experience, a CV describing relevant projects and skills, a list of your relevant publications, and contacts for three academic references to ...with the subject line “Excitonics Postdoctoral Research Associate.”

Application deadline: September 1, 2015, or until filled.