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Postdoctoral Research Associate (Atkinson Lab)

Trustees of Princeton University

Princeton, NJFull-time$65–70K/yrSeen 1w agoSeen in employer's feed 6 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$65–70K/yr
Location
Princeton, NJ
Role Type
Research
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Doctorate

Job overview

The Atkinson laboratory at Princeton University seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead experiment design and implementation for an ARIA-funded project engineering microbial S-layer proteins into tunable 2D lattices. The role involves collaboration with researchers in the UK and US and offers research and professional development, with a one-year appointment renewable annually based on funding and other requirements.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

ResearchMicrobiologyMolecular BiologyBiochemistrySynthetic BiologyCommunicationOrganizationAttention to DetailTime ManagementTask PrioritizationSafety AwarenessProtein EngineeringComputational Protein DesignProtein PurificationProtein Materials CharacterizationBiochemistry TechniquesSpectroscopyScanning-Probe MicroscopyElectron MicroscopyMicrosoft OfficePythonScriptingAcademic Laboratory Safety

Qualifications

PhD in Bioengineering or RelatedResearch Environment Experience

Full job description

Compensation

$65,000.00 - $70,000.00

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Atkinson Lab)Location: Princeton UniversitySalary Range or Pay Grade: 65,000-70,000 Description The Atkinson laboratory in the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute at Princeton University is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate. The Atkinson lab focuses on using protein engineering and synthetic biology approaches to control gene expression and metabolism in cells and assembly biological materials. The position will be advised by Josh Atkinson and will work in close collaboration with a collaborative team of researchers based in the UK and the US. The main responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate is to lead the design and implementation of experiments for an ARIA-funded project. We will engineer microbial S-layer proteins into large-area, defect-free 2D lattices as tunable materials for molecular separations, catalysis, and photonics. This position offers the opportunity to gain research skills in bioengineering and perform team-based research on a fast-paced project. The ideal candidate will have experience in computational protein design, experimental protein engineering, protein purification, and characterization of protein materials (e.g., AFM, TEM). This position will allow for both professional and laboratory skill development as well as co-authorship on high-impact research articles. The PI is devoted to developing a supportive research environment and fostering career development for all members of the lab. Postdoctoral appointments will be for one year, renewable annually based on funding and meeting all other requirements. This position is subject to the University's background check policy. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: - Ph.D. in bioengineering, synthetic biology, biophysics, or related field- Prior experience working in a research environment - Experience in working in a microbiology lab, molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology or equivalent.- Effective communication skills- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail - Expertise or interest in learning protein engineering techniques- Must be able to manage own time and prioritize tasks.- Growth mindset - Safety conscious Preferred Requirements: - Experience with protein engineering and computational protein design- Experience/willingness to learn biochemistry techniques, spectroscopy, scanning-probe and electron microscopy techniques- Strong interpersonal and communication skills- Proficient in Microsoft Office- Proficient in Python or other scripting language - Experience with safety practices in an academic laboratory environment desired Application Instructions Applicants must include:- Cover letter- Curriculum vitae - The names and contact information of three (3) references Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Pay Transparency DisclosureThe University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information. Apply HereEqual employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilitiesPI287708086

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

287708086

How this job compares

Set against the 811 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 29, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$65–70K/yr
  • New Jersey median$80K/yr21 salary ranges
  • US median$70–80K/yr395 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $68K, is 16% below the New Jersey median midpoint ($80K) — in the middle half of Postdoctoral Researcher salary ranges in New Jersey.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 21 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in New Jersey and 811 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in New Jersey
Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 0 to 3 years (55 postings).
Education
This posting asks for a doctorate or professional degree; 675 of the 811 open Postdoctoral Researcher jobs (83%) ask for a doctorate or professional degree.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 29, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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