Job Description

Primary Purpose of Position
We have an immediate opening a postdoctoral researcher to participate in the National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) center at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T). This is a non-faculty professional research position focused on advancing the field of antimicrobial nanomaterials and experimental evolution. PreMiEr is a National Science Foundation funded Engineering Research Center of Excellence that focuses on the microbiome of the built environment.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to funded research programs associated with the goals of the center. Specifically, the candidate will:
Evaluate the effectiveness of engineered nanomaterials, including triangular silver nanoplates, for controlling the evolution of microbial resistance.
Assess the impact of nanoparticle shape and surface structure on bacterial adaptation and resistance.
Investigate the dual-action antimicrobial mechanisms of nanomaterials, including both physical disruption and chemical toxicity.
Utilize whole genome resequencing and RNAseq to track genetic adaptations and identify resistance pathways.
The selected candidate will be appointed to a one-year term. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Conducting independent and collaborative research with PreMiEr faculty and interdisciplinary teams.
Disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in laboratory techniques and data analysis.
Actively participating in the PreMiEr Student/Post-doctoral Leadership Council and contributing to the broader goals of the ERC.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America’s top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor’s programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master’s degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master’s degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.

The College of Science and Technology enrolls over 2290 students. It is a national leader that serves and engages the citizens of the state of North Carolina, the nation, and the world through preeminence in science and technology education, research, discovery, and innovation. The College houses the departments of Applied Engineering Technology, Biology, Built Environment, Chemistry, Computer Systems Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, and the Ph.D. Program of Applied Science Technology. The College is experiencing substantial growth in enrollment, faculty size, curricula, and research.

The Department of Biology’s core mission encompasses excellence in teaching, cutting-edge research, and meaningful service to both students and the broader community. The Department of Biology currently has 24 full-time faculty members to support the teaching and research needs of our undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment currently is over 835 Biology majors. The MS graduate enrollment averages 15 students, and we train PhD students as part of the AST program in Applied Bioscience with an enrollment of 30 PhD students.
Minimum Requirements
The selected Postdoctoral Scholar must have recently earned a Ph.D. or equivalent in Biology, Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
The ideal candidate will have experience with experimental evolution, nanoparticle research, and bacterial genetics. Familiarity with whole genome resequencing, RNAseq data processing, and bioinformatics is highly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong record of publication and/or presentation of research findings.
Required License or Certification
Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)