Postdoctoral Associate - Cell and Systems Biology

The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Education:

Ph.D. in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:

Not Applicable

Experience:

No prior experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Experimental duties include:

• 1. Animal work – husbandry, injection, analysis and surgery relevant to kidneys
• 2. Cell culture – daily differentiation and mainteinance of human pluripotent stem cells
• 3. Microscopy – immunofluorescence, confocal, wide-field, live cell
• 4. Microfluidics – bioengineering, device preparation, input/output bioanalysis
• 5. Genome editing – guide RNA construction, transfection, screening
• 6. Drug discovery – design and execution of high throughput screening assays
• 7. Biochemistry and molecular biology – qPCR, electrophoresis, immunoblotting, cloning
• 8. Computing and analysis – Illustrator, Powerpoint, Excel, Word, ImageJ, HTML
• 9. Documentation – daily record of work performed in files and laboratory notebook

Scholarship:

• 10. Contribute data and ideas for new projects
• 11. Drafting of new grants with minimal supervision
• 12. Preparation of primary research manuscripts with minimal supervision
• 13. Writing invited manuscripts
• 14. Assist in seeking/acquiring additional funding
• 15. Manage relationships with grants sponsors and progress reports

Animal care includes:

• 16. Data collection/maintenance management for rodent colony
• 17. Updating and ensuring compliance with animal welfare protocols
• 18. Oversight of junior trainees working in the animal facility
• 19. Demonstration and training of surgeries
• 20. Developing new animal protocols

Lab duties:

• 21. Mentor research trainees and undergraduates; contribute to improvements in efficiency
• 22. Orient/train new staff
• 23. Manage projects of moderate size and scope
• 24. Assemble and organize research teams
• 25. Lead projects or project tasks toward research objectives
• 26. Inventory management for reagents/orders/cells; track expenses
• 27. Ensure compliance with lab regulations and completion of corresponding paperwork

Education:

PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology or related field

Certification and Licensing:

N/A

Experience:

Direct laboratory experience (4+ years) is required. Experience with human pluripotent stem cells, high throughput screening, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9), rodent microsurgery, and bioinformatics datasets is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Cell culture skills and experience; strong computer skills including Excel, statistical and/or graphical software (ex. Adobe Illustrator, ImageJ, Powerpoint); excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to manage diverse tasks; flexibility in work hours; a thirst for scientific knowledge and progress; comfort working with animal model; and a high degree of integrity.

The above statements are intended to…