Post-Doctoral Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the laboratory of Dr. José Fachi in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. The laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate intestinal immunity, host-microbiota interactions, and mucosal inflammation. Research projects combine immunology, microbiology, metabolism, and genetically engineered mouse models to understand how immune cells communicate with the intestinal environment during homeostasis and disease.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Immunology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field and a strong background in experimental biomedical research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in immunology, flow cytometric analysis (FACS) of complex immune populations, genetically engineered mouse models, preparation and analysis of lymphoid and intestinal tissues, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to conduct research with increasing independence, including experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and development of research projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The candidate will also contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, grant-related research activities, and mentoring and training of junior laboratory members.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design, perform, and analyze experiments investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal immunity and host-microbiota interactions
• Isolate and characterize immune cells from intestinal and lymphoid tissues using multicolor and spectral flow cytometry
• Perform functional analyses of innate and adaptive immune cell populations
• Conduct experiments using genetically engineered mouse models and models of intestinal inflammation and infection
• Perform immunological, molecular, microbiological, and cellular analyses
• Develop and optimize experimental approaches to address research questions
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and troubleshoot experiments as needed
• Develop research hypotheses and experimental strategies in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
• Review and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature
• Analyze experimental data and prepare publication-quality figures
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences
• Contribute scientific data and writing to grant applications and research proposals
• Participate in collaborative research projects within and outside the laboratory
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records
• Organize, analyze, and appropriately maintain research data
• Ensure reproducibility and appropriate documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Follow institutional requirements related to research integrity, laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research
• Assist with the development and maintenance of experimental protocols and standard operating procedures
• Collaborate with other laboratory members on ongoing research projects
• Assist with training and mentoring students, technicians, and other junior laboratory personnel in experimental techniques and research practices
• Share expertise in relevant laboratory techniques, including flow cytometry, mouse experimentation, tissue processing, and molecular and cellular approaches
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and other departmental research activities
• Contribute to a collaborative and productive laboratory environment

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or another related life science discipline
• Demonstrated experience conducting biomedical research
• Experience with experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation
• Strong laboratory and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain…