3D Tissue Model Virology Scientist

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a motivated postdoctoral researcher to advance a NIGMS MIRA (R35) program focused on how spatial and multicellular context shapes cell death and virus replication in alphaviruses and flaviviruses. The role involves building 3D organoid/co-culture models, differentiating hiPSC-derived cells, and applying molecular and imaging techniques.

The candidate will work in BSL2/BSL3 labs, perform flow cytometry, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and confocal microscopy, and collaborate on

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Immunology, Virology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or closely related field (Required).
• Hands-on experience establishing and characterizing multicellular 3D tissue models (organoids, spheroids, co-cultures).
• Experience with hiPSC culture, maintenance, and directed differentiation protocols.
• Humility: willingness to learn and take feedback.
• Leadership: ability to lead and own projects.
• Teamwork: collaborate with lab teammates toward goals.
• Initiative: proactive and action-oriented.
• Molecular and protein biology skills: flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, western blotting, ELISA.
• Experience organizing complex procedures with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn new techniques including virus handling (BSL2/BSL3).

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro procedures in BSL2/BSL3 labs and train others.
• Data analysis, report writing, and manuscript preparation.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with computational and imaging teams on scRNA-seq datasets.
• Train and assist graduate and undergraduate students in experiments.

Skills

3D tissue models

hiPSC culture

cell differentiation

leadership

teamwork

initiative

data analysis

Education

PhD in Cell Biology/related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

RT-qPCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Confocal microscopy

scRNA-seq library prep

Job description

Virginia Tech seeks a motivated postdoctoral researcher to advance a NIGMS MIRA (R35) program focused on how spatial and multicellular context shapes cell death and virus replication in alphaviruses and flaviviruses. The role involves building 3D organoid/co-culture models, differentiating hiPSC-derived cells, and applying molecular and imaging techniques.

The candidate will work in BSL2/BSL3 labs, perform flow cytometry, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and confocal microscopy, and collaborate on