Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar in Microfluidic Disease Diagnostic Technologies

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The Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the BioMEMS Laboratory led by Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang (For information about the lab, see: https://me.jhu.edu/thwang/). We seek a highly motivated, independent researcher to lead scientific efforts and technology development on microfluidic-based in vitro diagnostic technologies toward infectious disease and cancer detection applications.

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Key Responsibilities

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· Independently lead and collaborate on research projects aimed at detecting human diseases including infectious diseases (especially bacterial bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance) and cancer (especially lung and ovarian).

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· Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments focused on development and testing of microfluidic devices and related workflows, as well as development and validation of nucleic acid-based diagnostic assays.

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·  Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.

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·  Prepare progress reports and present results to collaborators and sponsors.

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·  Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.

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·  Contribute to competitive grant and contract proposals to federal agencies (e.g., NIH).

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Minimum Qualifications

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· Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline, with less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience.

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·  Demonstrated track record in microfluidics and in vitro diagnosis of human diseases.

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· Expertise in designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices and platforms (e.g., cleanroom microfabrication, laser cutting, thermoforming, 3D printing) and in microscopy-based characterization.

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·  Expertise in molecular diagnostics, especially for nucleic acid targets (e.g., PCR, digital PCR, methylation-specific PCR, LAMP, RPA, CRISPR‑based assays).

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· Expertise in either microbiological assays (e.g., culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing) or cancer detection assays (e.g., liquid biopsy handling, nucleic acid extraction). 

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·  Proficiency in data analysis and computational tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).

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·  Strong written and oral communication skills and a record of publishing and presenting research.

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· Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead junior researchers and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

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Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

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·  Experience in safe handling of clinical specimens (e.g., blood and plasma) and infectious materials (e.g., bacteria) in BSL‑2 laboratories environment.

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·  Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety practices at the BSL‑2 level.

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·  Prior experience with clinical microbiology workflows and familiarity with regulatory pathways (e.g., FDA EUA/510(k)) for diagnostic devices.

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·  Experience with technology translation, commercialization, or interactions with industry partners.

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Salary and Benefits

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Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with NIH FY2026 standards (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-26-044.html). For information on benefits, visit: https://engineering.jhu.edu/studentaffairs/postdoctoral-fellows/services-and-benefits/.

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Application Instructions

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Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest describing research experience and goals, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references with the subject line “Postdoc Application – Your Name – Microfluidic Disease Diagnostics” to both Prof. Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang (thwang@jhu.edu) and Prof. Kuangwen Hsieh (khsieh4@jhu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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EOE Statement

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Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.