• Postdoctoral Fellow

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg, TX)


    Position Information

    Posting NumberSRGV8334

     

    Working TitlePOSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

     

    Number of Vacancies1

     

    LocationEdinburg, Texas

     

    DepartmentCollege of Science/Sch of Integr Bio & Chem Sci

    FTE1

    FLSAExempt

    Scope of Job

    The Astrobiochemistry Lab (https://eloicamprubi.com/) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ), led by Dr. Eloi Camprubi, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join by Fall 2025, funded by the National Science Foundation. Application deadline by 06/30/25.

     

    A fundamental trait of cells is the fact that they are encapsulated by a membrane, whose assembly was most likely one of the early steps during life’s emergence. Membrane assembly is a spontaneous event driven by the simple fact that oil and water do not mix. This project seeks to understand how membrane encapsulated vesicles (protocells) might have formed and reproduced in the absence of any genetic information. The project investigates how molecules that are amphiphilic assemble into vesicle compartments, and how these compartments might drive the formation of additional membrane building blocks. This project tackles whether information can be carried over across generations of vesicles, with offspring adapting to their environment over time.

    Description of Duties

    + Probes the capability of amphiphiles to self-assemble into vesicle compartments and develops a robust methodology for studying their individual and population composition.

    + Assess if vesicles display generational heredity, allowing for a primitive form of evolution by natural selection.

    + Custom-made microfluidic setups will be used to enable the precise control and manipulation of vesicle systems constrained to the microliter scale.

    + Performing other duties as assigned.

     

    Supervision Received

     

    General direction from the assigned supervisor.

     

    Supervision Given

     

    None.

    Required Education

    A Ph. D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related disciplines from an accredited University.

    Preferred Education

    None.

     

    Licenses/Certifications

     

    None.

    Required Experience

    None.

    Preferred Experience

    + Experience with vesicle/liposome study and manipulation.

    + Experience with microfluidic systems or dynamic mathematical modeling,

    + Experience within the fields of astrobiology and abiogenesis,

    + Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

     

    Equipment

     

    Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications.

    Working Conditions

    Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work are required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

     

    Other

     

    This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.

     

    Physical Capabilities

    N/A

    Employment CategoryFull-Time

     

    Minimum SalaryCommensurate with Experience

     

    Posted SalaryCommensurate with Experience

     

    Position Available Date06/17/2025

     

    Grant Funded PositionYes

     

    If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date02/29/2028

     

    Posting Detail Information

    EEO Statement

    It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

     

    Special Instructions to Applicants

     

    Dear Applicant,

     

    Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

     

    Date of Birth

    Gender

    *Ethnicity/Race

     

    Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

     

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or [email protected].

     

    Additional Information

     

    UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

     

    All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

     

    Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .

     

    Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/47507

     

    Posting Supplemental Questions

     

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

     

    + * Are you a current UTRGV employee?

    + Yes

    + No

    + * Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?

    + Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions

    + Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions

    + No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions

    + * Please select your highest level of completed education.

    + 6th grade education

    + 10th grade education

    + High School Diploma or GED

    + Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours

    + Bachelors Degree from an accredited university

    + Masters Degree from an accredited university

    + Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university

    + None of the above

    + * Please provide the field of study for your education:

     

    (Open Ended Question)

     

    + * Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:

    + Less than 1 year

    + 1 year

    + 2 years

    + 3 years

    + 4 years

    + 5 years

    + 6 years

    + 7 years

    + 8 years

    + 9 years

    + 10 years

    + Over 10 years

    + * Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?

    + Yes

    + No

     

    Applicant Documents

    Required Documents

    + Resume

    Optional Documents

    + Cover Letter/Letter of Application

    + Curriculum Vitae

    + Unofficial Transcripts

    + Reference Letter 1

    + Reference Letter 3

    + Certifications and Licenses

    + Training Certificates

    + Other Document

    + List of 3 References

    + Unofficial Transcripts 2

    + Unofficial Transcripts 3

    + Letter of Interest

    + Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

    + Additional Document