Post-Doctoral Fellow - Neuroscience and Anatomy

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU's sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

School Of Medicine

Neuroscience & Anatomy

One Postdoc position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Wenhui Hu in the Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy at VCU School of Medicine. The role will explore the translational application of improved CRISPR/Cas genome editors and develop innovative target cell‑specific gene delivery in vivo, focusing on T cells and microglia/macrophages. The research projects are NIH funded to examine the efficacy of target cell‑specific AAV, nanoparticle or lentivirus‑like particle delivery of CRISPR/Cas genome editors and chimeric antigen‑receptor (CAR) to combat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS (NeuroHIV), cancer, autoimmunity and organ fibrosis.

The laboratory also explores the role of the novel protein NIBP/TRAPPC9 as a host restriction factor to fight virus infection.

• Molecular cloning, gene editing and targeted gene delivery
• Cell/organoid culture and cell-based functional assays
• Viral vector packaging, purification and testing
• Immunohistochemistry and confocal image analysis
• Animal handling and neurobehavioral test
• Writing of manuscripts and grants as well as mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students in PI's lab

• Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, virology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong training in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, cell culture, and cell-based functional assays
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent biomedical research, including experimental design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation of results, and troubleshooting
• Ability to work with animal models and/or human or mouse cell culture systems relevant to infectious disease, neuroinflammation, gene therapy, or related biomedical research
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records, follow institutional biosafety and animal research compliance requirements, and complete required university and federal research training
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as peer‑reviewed publications, manuscripts in preparation or revision, abstracts, or scientific presentations
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a Post‑Doctoral Fellow at VCU

• Prior research experience in host-pathogen interactions, immunology, neuroinflammation, gene therapy, RNA biology, organoid models, or related biomedical research areas
• Experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, RNA interference, viral or non-viral gene delivery, or other genetic manipulation approaches
• Experience with cell culture, organoid culture, animal models, tissue processing, immunostaining, microscopy, flow cytometry, or related functional assays
• Experience with transcriptomic, sequencing, imaging, flow cytometry, or other biological data analysis; familiarity with R or bioinformatics is desirable
• Evidence of research productivity, including peer‑reviewed publications, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, or contributions to grant preparation
• Strong motivation to contribute to NIH-funded translational projects involving targeted delivery, genome editing, infectious disease, NeuroHIV, cancer, autoimmunity, fibrosis, or related fields

Commensurate, starting at $63,480.

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment sult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status:
Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible:
Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement:
Fully Onsite

University

Job Title:

Post-Doctoral Fellow

Contact Email: SOMHR

Equal Opportunity Employer.