RNA CRISPR-Cas Scientist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Details

Position Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

The Semenova laboratory at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology has an open Postdoctoral Associate position to investigate CRISPR-Cas
13-mediated immunity. Under the supervision of Dr. Semenova, the postdoctoral fellow will participate in grant-funded research aimed at:

* Characterizing collateral RNA cleavage by diverse Cas
13 homologs and determining their RNA substrate preferences and mechanisms of activation.

* Defining cellular defense pathways induced by collateral RNA cleavage, with a focus on defense mechanisms triggered by tRNA cleavage.

* Investigating spacer acquisition in RNA-targeting type VI CRISPR-Cas systems.

* Exploring the evolutionary diversity of Cas
13 effectors and their implications for technologies.

The successful candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in CRISPR-Cas systems, RNA biology, phage biology, and microbial defense mechanisms. The Semenova laboratory provides a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters scientific independence and career development. The candidate will have opportunities to lead projects, develop independent research directions, prepare fellowship and grant applications, and build a strong foundation for future academic or industry careers.

Key Duties:

60 % 1. Conduct research on RNA-targeting type VI CRISPR-Cas systems.

15 % 2. Analyze research data and prepare manuscripts for publication.

15 % 3. Mentor and train undergraduate students in the lab.

5% 4. Prepare proposals for postdoctoral fellowships.

5 % 5. Present research findings at local and international conferences.

Level of Decision Making:
The postdoc will design and optimize experiments, particularly for Next Generation Sequencing workflows, including library preparation and data analysis. They will exercise independent judgment in data analysis, troubleshooting unexpected results, adjusting protocols, and ensuring high-quality data for publication.

Scope & Impact:
The position involves complex experimental research on RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems, requiring technical expertise and independent problem-solving. The scope includes the specific project, collaboration with other labs, mentoring undergraduates, and contributing to publications, conferences, and future grant proposals.

Qualifications

The candidate must have a PhD degree in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field by the position's start date. Experience in microbial genetics and cultivation, molecular cloning, protein expression and characterization, DNA and RNA purification and analysis, and protein-nucleic acid interactions is required. The candidate should be self-driven, well-organized, a strong team player, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The candidate must have a PhD degree in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field by the position's start date. Experience in microbial genetics and cultivation, molecular cloning, protein expression and characterization, DNA and RNA purification and analysis, and protein-nucleic acid interactions is required. The candidate should be self-driven, well-organized, a strong team player, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Experience in Next Generation Sequencing, including library preparation for DNA and RNA sequencing and conducting Illumina sequencing runs, as well as data analysis, is highly preferred. Experience in biochemistry and structural analysis of RNA-processing enzymes is desirable.

Must be familiar with all common microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR…