Post Doctoral Research Scholar in Translational Lung Research

Post Doctoral Research Scholar in Translational Lung Research

The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (Director: Dr. Venkatesh Sampath) and the Division of Neonatology (Director: Dr. Steve Olsen) are seeking a PhD scientist to conduct translational and basic science research focused on neonatal lung injury and developmental biology. The program studies endothelial and epithelial injury in the developing lung and intestine, using transgenic mouse models, human genetics, cell‑culture, microbiome analyses, and novel therapeutics to investigate diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and infectious diseases.

The laboratory employs five full‑time PhD and master level scientists and has access to a neonatal genomic biorepository, as well as research cores supporting genomics, flow cytometry, imaging, GMP biologics, and a rodent vivarium. The project is available for an initial period of two years.

• Write and execute protocols for experiments.
• Organize, analyze, and summarize acquired data using scientific and statistical techniques; write manuscripts (required).
• Perform single cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, and computational analysis (preferred).
• Molecular biology: cloning, nucleic acid purification, sequencing, co‑immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, Southern and Northern blot, Western blot, in‑vitro phosphatase assay, protein purification, ELISA (preferred).
• Cell biology: stem cell isolation and propagation, cell line creation, cell phenotyping by FACS, cell culture (including endothelial cell culture), drug treatment, cell transfection (preferred).
• Animal models: create transgenic constructs (knock‑out/in and conditional knock‑out), mouse embryo dissection and organ micro‑dissection (preferred); work with mice (genotyping, drug treatment, etc.) (required).
• Expertise in endothelial/vascular signaling and lung biology (preferred).
• Guide trainees and mentor project development.

The seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must also be willing to be vaccinated if found non‑immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or lacking evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. Immunization records will be required as proof of vaccination.

• PhD, MD, or related doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
• 2–5 years of post‑graduate experience.
• Advanced molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with transgenic mouse models, single cell RNA‑seq, and bioinformatics.
• Strong written communication and manuscript preparation skills.

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are designed to meet the changing needs of employees and their families and are among the best in Kansas City. For more information, please consult the Children's Mercy benefits portal.

Pay ranges are market competitive and follow NIH guidelines.

This position is not eligible for remote work; the employee will be required to work onsite at one of the Children's Mercy locations.

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise, and ability to maintain professional relationships with employees, patients, parents, and visitors. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We are dedicated to hiring people from a wide variety of backgrounds to strengthen our team and patient care.