Post Doctoral Research Associate

Title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate

Department:
Chemical & Materials Engineering

Reports To:
Associate Professor

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
The project aims to develop an AI-enhanced portable multiplex-biomarker
assay platform to predict disease contagiousness for the leading infectious
disease burden affecting deployed US forces. The platform will classify
contagiousness levels (high, moderate, mild) by correlating biomarker profiles
with infection diagnosis, pathogen transmission routes, and clinical symptoms.

The PRNA Lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), under the
direction of Dr. Sagnik Basuray, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral
Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team. This position is part of a
prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) funded multi-institutional
collaboration focused on developing an AI-enhanced portable multiplex-biomarker
assay platform to predict disease contagiousness.

The successful candidate will be pivotal in advancing the ESSENCE
platform - an innovative, field-deployable, AI-integrated microfluidic
electrochemical biosensor system designed for real-time, multiplexed detection
of contagious disease biomarkers. The ESSENCE (Electrochemical Sensing method using
a Shear-Enhanced, flow-through Nanoporous Capacitive) platform utilizes carbon
nanotubes with capture agents to selectively bind highly sensitive biomarkers
through a unique 3-dimensional electrode architecture. This cutting-edge
project brings together expertise from Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head
Division (NSWC IHD), TDA Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB),
and Arizona State University (ASU).

Essential Functions:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead NJIT's technical contributions to this project, focusing on developing, optimizing, and validating the
ESSENCE microfluidic electrochemical detection system.

Technical Leadership
-Design, fabricate, and optimize
microfluidic ESSENCE chips incorporating carbon-based transducer materials
(CBTMs) provided by TDA Research.
-Develop and validate
comprehensive calibration curves for infectious disease biomarkers.
-Lead optimization efforts for
detection protocols, including wash/rinse procedures, flow dynamics,
pressure conditions, and electrode architectures to maximize selectivity,
sensitivity, and limit of detection.
-Implement and refine multiplexed
electrochemical detection strategies using parallel chip configurations
and automated fluid control systems.
-Evaluate and minimize
interference matrices in multiplexed detection systems.
-Interface detection chips with
programmable fluid control platforms for automated testing.

Research Management
-Coordinate research activities
with multi-institutional collaborators (TDA Research, UAB, ASU, NSWC IHD).
-Support clinical sample testing
and validation efforts with UAB.
-Collaborate on AI algorithm
integration with sensor data outputs.
-Analyze complex electrochemical
datasets and provide quantitative interpretation.
-Optimize signal acquisition
parameters while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio.
-Prepare technical reports,
manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and presentation materials.
-Contribute to grant writing and
proposal development for future funding opportunities.
-Mentor graduate and undergraduate
students in electrochemical biosensing techniques.

Prerequisite Qualifications:
Education
-Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering,
Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering,
Materials Science, or a closely related field.
-Degree must be conferred by the
start date of appointment.

Technical Expertise
-Demonstrated hands-on experience
in electrochemical biosensing techniques, including:
-Electrochemical Impedance
Spectroscopy (EIS)
-Cyclic Voltammetry (CV)
-Differential Pulse Voltammetry
(DPV)
-Proven expertise in microfluidics
design, fabrication, and implementation.
-Experience with microfluidic chip
fabrication and integration.
-Strong background in sensor
design and biomolecular assay development.
-Proficiency in data analysis and
scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
-Experience with fabrication
techniques and cleanroom protocols.
-Familiarity with automated fluid
control systems and pressure-driven flow.

Professional Skills
-Strong publication record in
peer-reviewed journals.
-Excellent written and oral
communication skills.
-Ability to work independently and
as part of a collaborative team.
-Strong organizational and project
management capabilities.

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Experience with multiplexed
sensor systems and parallel detection strategies.
-Experience with carbon-based
materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene) for biosensing applications.
-Background in clinical biosample
analysis and handling.
-Expertise in nanomaterial
synthesis, characterization, and functionalization.
-Experience with aptamer or
protein-based molecular recognition systems.
-Experience with EDC coupling
chemistry and surface functionalization.
-Proficiency in COMSOL
Multiphysics or similar modeling software for fluid dynamics and
electrical simulations.
-Experience with calibration curve
development and optimization.
-Knowledge of interference matrix
evaluation in multiplexed systems.
-Track record of successful grant
writing or industry collaboration.
-Experience with AI/machine
learning applications in biosensing.
-Familiarity with DoD-funded
research projects.

Bargaining Unit:
AFT-UCAN

Salary Information:
In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the negotiated starting annual salary for this position is $65,000 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time

Special Instructions to
Applicants:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single
PDF file to sbasuray@njit.edu:

Cover Letter (2 pages maximum)
-Describe your relevant research
experience.
-Explain your interest in this
specific project.
-Outline your career goals and
how this position aligns with them.

Curriculum Vitae
-Complete publication list with
impact factors.
-Conference presentations and
invited talks.
-Grants, awards, and honors.
-Teaching and mentoring
experience.

Research Statement (2 pages maximum) - Optional
but recommended
-Summary of past research
accomplishments.
-Vision for contributions to the
ESSENCE project.

References
-Names and complete contact
information for 2-3 professional references.
-At least one reference should be
your Ph.D. advisor.
-Brief description of your
relationship with each reference.