Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biology

Wake Forest University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University’s Cordy Lab in the Department of Biology seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate malaria-induced dyserythropoiesis and redox biology of red blood cells, using in vitro human primary cell models, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and multi-omics analyses.

The role offers collaboration within the Wake Forest Center for Redox Biology & Medicine and opportunities to present at conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Expertise with cell culture and immune-labeling techniques.
• Evidence of productivity via first-author publications or conference presentations.

Responsibilities

• Optimize and execute experiments using an in vitro human erythroid culture system.
• Perform multi-parameter flow cytometry on erythroid cells.
• Perform immunofluorescence microscopy on archived tissue samples.
• Generate and analyze multi-omic data on erythroid culture experiments.
• Prepare data for manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant applications.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to lab culture.

Skills

Cell culture

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence

Bioinformatics

Scientific writing

Collaborative skills

Education

Ph.D. in Cell Biology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometer

Fluorescence microscopy

Multi-omics analysis pipelines

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Cordy Lab in the Department of Biology at Wake Forest University is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to carry out research on malaria-induced dyserythropoiesis and redox biology of red blood cells. This position is part of a newly NIH-funded research program focused on investigating the host-parasite mechanisms driving severe malarial anemia (SMA) and exploring the potential of host-targeting therapies. The successful candidate will leverage in vitro human primary cell models and archived tissue specimens, and will apply flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and multi-omics analyses in their work. In joining a collaborative research environment, the postdoctoral fellow will be part of the Wake Forest Center for Redox Biology & Medicine and will work with multiple collaborating labs. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to present at national and international conferences, participate in grant‑writing, and submit their work for publication.

Salary is commensurate with institutional and NIH guidelines, including a comprehensive benefits package.

Position is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Essential Functions:

• Optimize and execute experiments using an in vitro human erythroid culture system
• Perform multi-parameter flow cytometry on erythroid cells
• Perform immunofluorescence microscopy on archived tissue samples
• Generate and analyze multi-omic data on erythroid culture experiments
• Prepare data for manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant applications
• Assist with lab managerial duties and play an active role in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in a supportive laboratory culture

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Expertise with cell culture
• Experience with immune-labeling and standard molecular biology techniques
• Evidence of productivity through first-author publication(s) and/or conference presentations
• A collaborative spirit, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Computational experience with transcriptomic data analysis or basic bioinformatics pipelines
• Expertise with primary cells, stem cell differentiation, and/or Plasmodium culture
• Experience with flow cytometry and/or redox assays

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work Provide training and assist in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate research students

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional lifting of heavy objects (up to 40 pounds)
• Involves some amount of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and manual dexterity

Environmental Conditions:

• Chemical hazards. Proper protective equipment and fume hoods are provided and maintained by Environmental Health and Safety.
• Biological hazards. Proper protective equipment and biological safety cabinets are provided and maintained by Environmental Health and Safety.

Additional Job Description Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform job‑related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor. In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].

About WFU

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation. WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher‑scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount. Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is to give life to the University motto "Pro Humanitate," as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school's founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open‑mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust. The University is comprised of: the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about 4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus. Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world‑class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student‑faculty ratio of 11:1. Wake Forest employs approximately 2,772 full and part‑time faculty and staff. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen‑team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight‑dimensional well‑being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative. Winston‑Salem, North Carolina Wake Forest is located in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful, mid‑sized city centrally located in the Piedmont‑Triad region of North Carolina. Winston‑Salem is a family‑friendly city with high quality schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities and events, and is known for its vibrant and thriving arts scene. Winston‑Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family. Winston‑Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town.