Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CDI

Hackensack Meridian Health; Nutley (NJ); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance antiviral drug discovery projects. You will design and execute in vitro assays, handle BSL2/BSL3 viruses, and work under Nadine Alvarez, PhD, Supervisor Research Assistant Member Infectious Diseases.

The role requires a PhD, strong communication, and the ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in scientific or related discipline.
• Publish at least one article as first author in a reputable peer‑reviewed journal.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Lab techniques vary by lab.
• Proficient with MS Office and Google Suite.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute in vitro experiments independently and collaboratively to support project objectives.
• Perform low- to high-throughput screening of compounds using established protocols.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistics.
• Prepare and present technical reports and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Excellent written/verbal communication

Problem solving

Independent researcher

Team player

Lab techniques

Education

PhD in scientific or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Overview

TheCenter for Discovery and Innovation- CDIwas established byHackensack MeridianHealth(HMH)as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position relates to a lab project that includes (but is not limited to) drug discovery to identify lead candidates for antiviral programs. The work will require handling BSL2 and BSL3 viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Bunyavirus and additional respiratory viruses. Direct report is to Nadine Alvarez, PhD, Supervisor Research Assistant Member Infectious Diseases. The candidate should have skills including hands-on expertise with cell line culture and in vitro assays for evaluating antiviral activity (such as TCID50 and plaque assays), and the ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. The main responsibilities are:

• Design, plan, and execute in vitro experiments independently and collaboratively to support the project's primary objectives;
• Perform low- to high-throughput screening of compounds using established experimental protocols
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods
• Prepare and present technical reports, and maintain accurate, up-to-date project documentation and master files

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Conducts research under direct supervision.
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data.
• Creates reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions.
• Presents findings to higher level staff.
• Presents results in internal and external research forums such as scientific conferences, lab meetings and institutional seminars.
• Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff.
• Participates in grant and manuscript writing, as appropriate.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• A Ph.D. degree in scientific or related discipline.
• Minimum publication or in preparation of one article as first author in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Good problem solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Lab specific techniques. (Varies by lab)
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Lab Specific.

Starting Minimum Rate

Minimum rate of $62,233.60 Annually

Job Posting Disclosure

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness. Experience: Years of relevant work experience. Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training. Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies. Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location. Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization. Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered. Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts. In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.