Research Scholar

NCIRE; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

NCIRE seeks a postdoctoral scholar (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) to advance projects studying mechanisms by which respiratory pathogens, particularly fungal pathogens, cause disease. The role involves developing and applying laboratory assays to human samples and handling fungal pathogens at BSL2/3.

Training under the Principal Investigator aims to prepare for a career in human immunology. The position requires designing and executing experiments, maintaining equipment, reviewing literature, and

Qualifications

• PhD in microbiology, immunology, or related science; MD or MD/PhD acceptable.
• 2+ years of related work experience desirable.
• Knowledge of cellular and molecular biology principles.
• Safety standards knowledge for laboratory work.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology experiments.
• Process human samples including cell isolation from blood and tissues.
• Perform DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing library prep, and related assays.
• Culture cells, perform transfections, and conduct in vitro infection studies.
• Maintain detailed written records and analyze results with statistics.
• Prepare reports and draft manuscripts for publication.
• Present findings at meetings and assist with grant applications.

Skills

Experimental design and execution

Literature review

Data analysis and statistics (R/Python

Multitasking and project management

Communicate results clearly

Education

PhD in microbiology/immunology or MD/PhD

Tools

PCR/qPCR/qRT-PCR

ELISA

FISH

Single-cell capture/library prep

Flow cytometry

Cell culture and transfection

Job description

A postdoctoral scholar (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) is needed to advance projects to investigate the mechanisms, primarily in the human airway, that allow respiratory pathogens, particularly fungal pathogens, to cause disease. These projects involve implementing and developing laboratory assays to apply to samples from infected and uninfected individuals, as well as the culture and manipulation of fungal pathogens at BSL2 and/or BSL3. This position is in training with the Principal Investigator to prepare for a career in human immunology in academia or industry.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in maintaining and monitoring all equipment and procedures for quality control
• Review pertinent medical literature
• Design and execute experiments using cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques
• Process human biological samples, including isolation of cells from blood and tissues; store and ship samples as needed
• Perform molecular biology procedures, including DNA and RNA isolation, reverse transcription, PCR, qPCR and qRT-PCR, ELISA, FISH, single-cell capture, sequencing library prep, and possibly others.
• Perform cell culture procedures, including culture of cell lines and primary cells, transfection, in vitro infection, fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, single cell analysis methods, and possibly other techniques
• Implement, troubleshoot, optimize, and develop new assays, making innovative contributions to laboratory procedures
• Assist with the training of research methods and approaches to the laboratory group
• Maintain a detailed written record of work performed
• Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, statistical analysis (including computational analysis of sequencing data using R and/or Python), and graph creation
• Produce written reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results, and draft manuscripts of results for publication
• Present oral and/or poster reports at laboratory, local, and national meetings
• Assist with the composition of grant applications
• Adhere to data security requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• PhD in microbiology, immunology, or related science, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of related work experience desirable
• Knowledge of principles and practice of cellular and molecular biology
• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories
• Solid interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Careful attention to detail; ability to accurately follow experimental protocols
• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities to achieve desired goals
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to think creatively and solve problems
• Ability to work under minimal supervision
• Computer literacy with full working knowledge of MS Word/ or Overleaf/LaTeX or markdown, Excel, PowerPoint/Keynote, R, and graphing software
• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical analyses.
• Ability to make sound decisions consistent with the essential job functions.

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment is a biomedical research laboratory. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law. The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base wage range for this position is $70,304.00 - $79,639.96 per year. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States. If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.