Postdoctoral Position in Dr. Michael J. Betenbaugh's Lab

Description

Are you eager to tackle cutting-edge challenges at the intersection of computational modeling, data science, and bioprocess optimization? Join Michael Betenbaugh’s research lab to develop and refine some of the most sought-after research skills in both academia and industry.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a project focused on data-driven modeling, AI-assisted bioprocess optimization, and database development for CHO cell bioproduction. This project will involve genomic-scale metabolic modeling, kinetic modeling, AI-driven analytics, and the creation of a structured database to enhance the understanding and control of monoclonal antibody (mAb) production in CHO and HEK cell lines. A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering,  Systems Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field is desired.

Johns Hopkins provides an exceptional research environment, fostering innovation at the interface of biomolecular engineering, computational biology, and biopharma.

Why Join Us?

·         Collaborate with top-tier industry partners in biopharma and biotech through the Betenbaugh Lab’s extensive network.

·         Be part of AMBIC, a leading biomanufacturing center, where you will have access to conferences, workshops, and seminars (Prof. Betenbaugh serves as the Center Director).

·         Mentorship & career development – Regular one-on-one meetings with Dr. Betenbaugh and collaboration with experts in the field.

·         Competitive standard benefits, with a highly supportive and interdisciplinary research environment.

·         Lab alumni have secured positions at numerous current and emerging biotech startups.

·         Baltimore offers an affordable and vibrant East Coast city experience with access to premier research and healthcare institutions.

·         Initial appointment for one year, with an expectation of at least two years total.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Conduct literature reviews on genomic-scale metabolic modeling, kinetic modeling, and AI-driven bioprocess optimization.

·         Develop data-driven models to predict and optimize CHO and HEK cell culture performance.

·         Apply machine learning and statistical modeling techniques to enhance process control and decision-making in bioprocessing.

·         Perform flux balance analysis (FBA), kinetic simulations, and multi-omics data integration to refine metabolic models.

·         Design, develop, and maintain a structured database for CHO cell metabolism and bioprocessing data, integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics datasets.

·         Implement database management systems to improve accessibility and usability of CHO bioprocessing data.

·         Analyze and interpret large-scale bioprocessing datasets, ensuring data integrity and standardization.

·         Develop computational pipelines for automated data processing, metabolic flux analysis, and AI-assisted modeling.

·         Maintain detailed documentation of methodologies, workflows, and results, and communicate findings with industrial collaborators.

·         Prepare and present research findings through journal articles, conference presentations, and internal reports.

·         Assist in mentoring graduate students and junior researchers in computational modeling, data science, and database development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field
• Background in  bioprocess development and biomanufacturing optimization
• Experience with mathematical modeling, and machine learning techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and experimental design.

·         Proficiency in Python and Matlab

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Application Instructions

In Interfolio, applicants should upload a CV and cover letter detailing their research experience and interests, and contact information for three references. The statement should state why the Betenbaugh lab is a good fit for your career trajectory.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting.  Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range.  The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre-Employment Information

If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.

Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification.

EEO is the Law:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22 088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.