Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate Department: Chemical & Materials Engineering Reports To: Associate Professor Position Type: Staff Position Summary: The project aims to develop an AI-enhanced portable multiplex-biomarker assay platform to predict disease contagiousness for the leading infectious disease burden affecting deployed US forces. The platform will classify contagiousness levels (high, moderate, mild) by correlating biomarker profiles with infection diagnosis, pathogen transmission routes, and clinical symptoms. The PRĀNA Lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), under the direction of Dr. Sagnik Basuray, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team. This position is part of a prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) funded multi-institutional collaboration focused on developing an AI-enhanced portable multiplex-biomarker assay platform to predict disease contagiousness. The successful candidate will be pivotal in advancing the ESSENCE platform — an innovative, field-deployable, AI-integrated microfluidic electrochemical biosensor system designed for real-time, multiplexed detection of contagious disease biomarkers. The ESSENCE (Electrochemical Sensing method using a Shear-Enhanced, flow-through Nanoporous Capacitive) platform utilizes carbon nanotubes with capture agents to selectively bind highly sensitive biomarkers through a unique 3-dimensional electrode architecture. This cutting-edge project brings together expertise from Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD), TDA Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Arizona State University (ASU). Essential Functions: The Postdoctoral Research Associate will lead NJIT's technical contributions to this project, focusing on developing, optimizing, and validating the ESSENCE microfluidic electrochemical detection system. Technical Leadership -Design, fabricate, and optimize microfluidic ESSENCE chips incorporating carbon-based transducer materials (CBTMs) provided by TDA Research. -Develop and validate comprehensive calibration curves for infectious disease biomarkers. -Lead optimization efforts for detection protocols, including wash/rinse procedures, flow dynamics, pressure conditions, and electrode architectures to maximize selectivity, sensitivity, and limit of detection. -Implement and refine multiplexed electrochemical detection strategies using parallel chip configurations and automated fluid control systems. -Evaluate and minimize interference matrices in multiplexed detection systems. -Interface detection chips with programmable fluid control platforms for automated testing. Research Management -Coordinate research activities with multi-institutional collaborators (TDA Research, UAB, ASU, NSWC IHD). -Support clinical sample testing and validation efforts with UAB. -Collaborate on AI algorithm integration with sensor data outputs. -Analyze complex electrochemical datasets and provide quantitative interpretation. -Optimize signal acquisition parameters while maintaining signal-to-noise ratio. -Prepare technical reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and presentation materials. -Contribute to grant writing and proposal development for future funding opportunities. -Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in electrochemical biosensing techniques. Prerequisite Qualifications: Education -Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. -Degree must be conferred by the start date of appointment. Technical Expertise -Demonstrated hands-on experience in electrochemical biosensing techniques, including: -Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) -Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) -Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) -Proven expertise in microfluidics design, fabrication, and implementation. -Experience with microfluidic chip fabrication and integration. -Strong background in sensor design and biomolecular assay development. -Proficiency in data analysis and scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent). -Experience with fabrication techniques and cleanroom protocols. -Familiarity with automated fluid control systems and pressure-driven flow. Professional Skills -Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. -Excellent written and oral communication skills. -Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. -Strong organizational and project management capabilities. At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position. Preferred Qualifications: -Experience with multiplexed sensor systems and parallel detection strategies. -Experience with carbon-based materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene) for biosensing applications. -Background in clinical biosample analysis and handling. -Expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and functionalization. -Experience with aptamer or protein-based molecular recognition systems. -Experience with EDC coupling chemistry and surface functionalization. -Proficiency in COMSOL Multiphysics or similar modeling software for fluid dynamics and electrical simulations. -Experience with calibration curve development and optimization. -Knowledge of interference matrix evaluation in multiplexed systems. -Track record of successful grant writing or industry collaboration. -Experience with AI/machine learning applications in biosensing. -Familiarity with DoD-funded research projects. Bargaining Unit: AFT-UCAN Salary Information: In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the negotiated starting annual salary for this position is $65,000 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits. FLSA: Exempt Full-Time Special Instructions to Applicants: Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file to sbasuray@njit.edu: Cover Letter (2 pages maximum) -Describe your relevant research experience. -Explain your interest in this specific project. -Outline your career goals and how this position aligns with them. Curriculum Vitae -Complete publication list with impact factors. -Conference presentations and invited talks. -Grants, awards, and honors. -Teaching and mentoring experience. Research Statement (2 pages maximum) - Optional but recommended -Summary of past research accomplishments. -Vision for contributions to the ESSENCE project. References -Names and complete contact information for 2-3 professional references. -At least one reference should be your Ph.D. advisor. -Brief description of your relationship with each reference.