Postdoctoral Research Associate - Molecular Microbiology

UNKNOWN; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to study Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) and their interactions with bacterial hosts using in vitro and in vivo gnotobiotic mouse models.

The role requires independence, creativity and a willingness to engage with NGS, bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetic screens, virology and bacteriology techniques in a collaborative environment with ethical research practices.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or equivalent terminal degree.
• Experience in bioscience research is valued.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepare and submit papers on research.
• Assist in design of research experiments.
• Evaluate research findings and report results.
• Ensure ethical standards and good laboratory practice.

Skills

Collaboration

Data Analysis

Data Interpretations

Experimentation

Laboratory Operations

Laboratory Techniques

Scientific Writing

Education

PhD or MD

Job description

Location

SAINT LOUIS, MO 63110

Position Summary

The position requires creativity, independence and willingness to work on an “out of the box” project. Picobirnaviruses (PBV)s are small double-stranded RNA viruses first discovered in human stool specimens that have been largely ignored by the scientific community. PBVs are highly prevalent and abundant in human enteric viromes and have been associated with multiple human disease. While they have been assumed to infect human and other vertebrate hosts for over 30 years, we have generated significant evidence that PBVs actually are the 3rd known group of RNA bacteriophages rather than eukaryotic viruses (e.g., Krishnamurthy et al, Virology 2018; Gan and Wang, PNAS 2023). Projects will focus on defining the interactions of PBVs with their bacterial hosts both in vitro and in vivo in gnotobiotic mouse models and defining their impact on the microbiome and human health. Applicants must be comfortable working with a wide range of experimental approaches: NGS, bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetic screens, virological and bacteriological methods.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Information on being a postdoc at WashU in St.Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Assists in the design of research experiments.
• Evaluates research findings and assists in the reporting of the results.
• Conscientious discharge of their research responsibilities.
• Maintains conformity with ethical standards in research.
• Maintains compliance with good laboratory practice including the maintenance of adequate research records.
• Engages in open and timely discussion with their mentor regarding possession or distribution of material, reagents, or records belonging to their laboratory and any proposed disclosure of findings or techniques privately or in publications.
• Collegial conduct towards co-trainees, staff members and members of the research group.
• Adherence to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.
• All data, research records and materials and other intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

Education: Ph.D., M.D. Or Equivalent Terminal Or Doctoral Degree.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience: No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills: Not Applicable.

Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses: No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Work Experience: No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills: Collaboration, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations, Experimentation, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Techniques, Researching, Results Reporting, Scientific Writing

More About This Job

At WashU, postdoctoral appointments: Have a 5-year term limit that includes previous experience.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St.Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St.Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University in St.Louis' collective success is significantly attributed to the passion and outstanding efforts of our community. Our staff, faculty and trainees are committed to excellence and dedicated to carrying out our missions of research, teaching and patient care. WashU prides itself on being a place where people matter, and serious work is done. Our people work together in an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, collaboration and innovation. We are a community of individuals inspired to work together to develop big ideas and tackle challenging problems. We value the well-being of our people. WashU strives to create a positive employee experience where staff, faculty and trainees thrive, both personally and professionally. Our employees find meaning, connection and vitality in their work and life with a healthy work-life balance and support to learn, grow and make an impact at WashU, the community and the world.