About the Research

A opportunity is available to lead research in Biotechnology (non-medical) for DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory at Adelphi, MD. Successful applicants will lead independent research efforts in the development of synthetic biology tools and approaches to genetically harness aerobic filamentous fungi, including those that serve as the host of lichens. These efforts will drive towards larger Army efforts to develop filamentous fungi as extreme robust novel chassis for a variety of fieldable synthetic biology applications. Applicant may also support current efforts in the following areas: biomaterials, genetic engineering, automation and synthetic biology in the Synthetic Biology Tools Branch. Applicants should have experience in synthetic biology, molecular biology and microbiology. Expertise in fungal growth, genetics and phenotype assay is highly desired.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead synthetic biology tool development for aerobic filamentous fungi as a extreme robust novel synbio chassis
• Support current synthetic biology tool development, automation, and biomaterial efforts.
• Develop, learn and perform novel synbio approaches, workflows, and high throughput assays with state-of-the-art technology
• Write technical reports for internal and external publications
• Present research plans and findings at internal and external forums
• Work on a multi-disciplinary team and contribute to publications and patents

The initial appointment is for 12 months, but may be renewed upon recognition of ARL contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The appointment is full-time at ARL in the Adelphi, MD.

ARL Advisor: Bryn Adams

ARL Advisor Email: bryn.l.adams.civ@army.mil

About Army Research Directorate (ARD)

ARL’s Army Research Directorate (ARD) focuses on exploiting concept development, discovery, technology development, and transition of the most promising disruptive science and technology to deliver to the Army fundamentally advantageous science-based capabilities through laboratory’s 11 research competencies. This intramural research directorate also manages the laboratory’s essential research programs, which are flagship research efforts focused on delivering defined outcomes.

About Biological and Biotechnology Sciences Division (BBS)

Biological related disciplines, including synthetic biology, biological materials, biological/abiological interfaces, and biological effect.

About ARL-RAP

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. 

A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Three References Forms
  • An email with a link to the reference form will be available in Zintellect to the applicant upon completion of the on-line application. Please send this email to persons you have selected to complete a reference.
  • References should be from persons familiar with your educational and professional qualifications (include your thesis or dissertation advisor, if applicable)
• Transcripts
  • Transcript verifying receipt of degree must be submitted with the application. Student/unofficial copy is acceptable

If selected by an advisor the participant will also be required to write a research proposal to submit to the ARL-RAP review panel for :

• Research topic should relate to a specific opportunity at ARL 
• The objective of the research topic should be clear and have a defined outcome
• Explain the direction you plan to pursue
• Include expected period for completing the study
• Include a brief background such as preparation and motivation for the research
• References of published efforts may be used to improve the proposal

A link to upload the proposal will be provided to the applicant once the advisor has made their selection.

Questions about this opportunity? Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Academic Level(s): Any academic level.
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (4 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )