Postdoctoral Associate

Overview

Postdoctoral Associate – Emerging Virus Research – Kehn-Hall Lab, Blacksburg, VA.

The Kehn-Hall Lab conducts research on emerging viruses including Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Venezuelan equine encephalitic virus (VEEV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). The candidate will conduct cutting‑edge research to identify FDA‑approved drugs that can be repurposed to treat viruses with pandemic potential, working closely with computer scientists to analyze published omics datasets and apply machine‑learning methods.

Key responsibilities include developing liver and/or brain organoid cultures (including iPSC‑based organoids), testing candidate drugs with organoid systems and animal models of infection, and collaborating with virologists, computer scientists and chemical engineers in a multidisciplinary research environment. The initial focus will be on RVFV, with potential expansion to other emerging viruses.

• Design and conduct experiments to identify repurposable FDA‑approved drugs against emerging viruses.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to analyze omics datasets and apply machine‑learning techniques.
• Develop and optimize liver and brain organoid cultures, including iPSC‑based organoids.
• Test candidate drugs using organoid systems and animal models of infection.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, perform cell culture, viral infections, plaque assays, and reverse genetics procedures.
• Collect, analyze, and publish data in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field awarded no more than four years before appointment.
• Experience working with RNA viruses and proficiency in cell culture and in‑vitro viral techniques (infections, plaque assays, reverse genetics).
• Strong molecular and protein‑biology skills (RT‑qPCR, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, nucleic‑acid extraction, plasmid preparation, cloning, transfections).
• Able to obtain Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex experiments with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organization, meticulous attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills.

• Experience with organoid systems.
• Experience working with select agents in Biosafety Level 3 (BSL‑3) laboratories.
• Proficiency in antiviral activity assays (CC50 and EC50 determinations).
• Experience with immunohistochemistry and confocal fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with infectious disease rodent models (inoculation, blood collection, drug treatments, symptom monitoring, euthanasia, necropsy, viral titer analysis).
• Knowledge of animal technical procedure regulations, policies, and guidelines.

Restricted

Commensurate with experience.

Candidate must pass a criminal conviction check.

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