Postdoctoral Fellow - Biology

Overview

The Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing our students a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes, as well as opportunities for undergraduates to actively participate in cutting-edge biological research in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, plant ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology.  The Department of Biology maintains an active research and teaching program on the Medford campus and in various field locales, and trains and advises graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows.

What You'll Do

Postdoctoral Fellow – Amphibian stem cells in biohybrid device design

The Blackiston Laboratory, Department of Biology, Tufts University

Position Details

• Start date: as early as August 2026; open until filled
• Initial one-year appointment with potential extension based on funding and performance
• Opportunity to tailor the position to career goals, whether toward industry, academia, or teaching

The Blackiston Laboratory at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and enthusiastic full-time postdoctoral fellow to study how amphibian stem cells can be combined with micro-printed scaffolds to construct a new class of biohybrid devices. Our research will broadly investigate the material properties of biohybrid machines, as well as their ability to assemble into metamaterials with defined characteristics.  Additionally, we will examine how artificial scaffolds may alter stem cell differentiation, cell behavior, and the self-assembly of amphibian stem cells. The project will contain both basic developmental biology and applied design approaches.

This is a joint project with a laboratory at MIT, and the candidate will work in close collaboration with their material science team. Our major milestones focus on the wetlab aspects of the project; collecting amphibian stem cells from fertilized Xenopus embryos, culturing organoids and tissues, combining cells with synthetic scaffolds, and performing molecular techniques, including immunohistochemistry, to characterize cell identity and location. Across the project, there will be opportunities to mentor undergraduates, technicians, and PhD students, and we are looking for someone who is eager to talk science, share ideas, and teach.

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in developmental biology and/or bioengineering as this project lies at an intersection between both disciplines, developing a new class of autonomous biohybrid machines. The project is currently funded for 18 months, with the opportunity for renewal.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments including amphibian embryo manipulations, mRNA microinjection, and microscopy.

• Perform basic Developmental biology techniques including cloning, embryonic microinjection, and immunohistochemistry, with supervision from the PI as necessary

• Develop and optimize laboratory protocols and help train and mentor new lab members

• Visualize and interpret results for publications, presentations, and grant applications

• Maintain accurate records and communicate findings to the PI and team

• Order supplies, maintain specialized equipment (as relevant), and assist with lab organization

• Apply for postdoctoral funding with support from the PI

Note: Because we are a new lab, we expect the postdoc—who will be a senior member of the group—to contribute to lab management and help establish workflows, best practices, and lab culture.

Environment

The Blackiston Laboratory values diversity, inclusivity, and fostering an environment where professional growth and varied career paths are supported. We are located in a newly renovated research space on Tufts University’s Medford, MA campus.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:

• PhD in biology, developmental biology, biological engineering, synthetic biology, or a related field is required
• Experience with general molecular biology training in an academic or industry laboratory
• Expertise molecular cloning and general microscopy
• Background in an in vivo or in vitro biological system (i.e. must have worked with living tissue)
• Experience with wet lab and/or cell culture projects
• Strong interest in teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research
• Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and work effectively in a shared, open-lab space

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with aquatic developmental model system (xenopus, zebrafish, axolotl, etc.)
• Experience with optogenetic stimulation of cells is valuable but not required
• Experience with fluidics and/or microfluidics is valuable but not required
• Experience teaching and mentoring in classroom and laboratory settings 

Special Work Schedule Requirements: 

Will work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials including formaldehyde-based fixatives. Need to adhere to proper safety procedures. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay Range

Minimum $67,500.00, Midpoint $72,875.00, Maximum $78,250.00
 

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.