Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Brian Hie

Important Info

Faculty Sponsor First name:

Brian

Faculty Sponsor Last Name:

Hie

Stanford Departments and Centers:

Chemical Engineering

Postdoc Appointment Term:

A minimum of 12 months

Appointment Start Date:

Early/mid 2026

Group or Departmental Website:

https://evodesign.org/

How to Submit Application Materials:

Please directly contact us at evodesign-hie@stanford.edu.

Does this position pay above the required minimum?:

Yes. The expected base pay range for this position is listed in Pay Range field. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Pay Range:

$80,000 - $160,000

Postdoctoral researcher in synthetic genomics, synthetic biology, and generative biology

Our lab’s mission is to ensure that the AI revolution in biology occurs in a way that benefits humanity. Our current focus is on advancing the state-of-the-art in generative modeling and applying these advances toward developing more capable biotechnologies, including design problems that go beyond the molecular scale.

We are seeking a highly motivated, collaborative, and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to spearhead a research program within the general areas of synthetic genomics and synthetic biology, as well as their intersection with AI systems for generative biology.

This position offers a unique opportunity to bridge powerful experimental methodologies with increasingly advanced generative models within a well-resourced scientific environment. We strive for a lab culture that does scientific research at the highest levels while also encouraging creativity, collaboration, and the joy of doing science. We are also particularly excited about supporting career development into an independent scientific leader.

The position will be appointed through Stanford University, though our research laboratory collaborates closely with other institutions, including Arc Institute (https://arcinstitute.org/).

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
Extensive, hands-on experience with the design, construction, and functional characterization of large-scale DNA constructs (>100 kb), synthetic genomes, or complex genetic circuits.
Strong background in relevant analytical techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, high-throughput sequencing (NGS), fluorescence microscopy, qPCR).
Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, Gibson Assembly).
Proficiency in computational biology and commonly used techniques for genome annotation and search.
A strong track record of research productivity, evidenced by publications.
A highly collaborative mindset and a love of science.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with high-throughput screening methods (e.g., FACS, microfluidic techniques, and/or laboratory automation) is a significant plus.
Experience working with diverse host organisms (e.g., E. coli, yeast, mammalian cells) is a significant plus.
Deep expertise in advanced genome engineering tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems, base editing, prime editing, recombinase-based systems) is welcome.
Experience with metabolic engineering, biosensor design, or cell-free expression systems is welcome.
Ability to develop novel methods for generative genomics is welcome.
A desire to advance into a career as an independent researcher (e.g., university tenure track positions, industrial group leader).

Required Application Materials:

A full curriculum vitae.
A brief description of how your career goals align with our lab’s mission.
Two references.