Research Scientist, Natural Products Pharmacology, NCNPR

University of Mississippi; Louisiana; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi seeks a Research Scientist to lead the development and application of bioassays for evaluating natural products' antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. You will design microbial assays, drive antimicrobial research, and contribute to publications and funding reports.

Required is a PhD in Microbiology with at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience and hands-on expertise in bioassay development, data integration, and advanced microbiology techniques.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral research focusing on antibacterial/antifungal effects of natural products.
• Hands-on expertise in developing, validating, and setting up tailored biological assays.

Responsibilities

• Lead selection, development, and application of bioassays to identify phytochemicals with antibacterial and antifungal activity.
• Conduct safety and efficacy evaluations of natural products in collaboration with NCNPR scientists.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and prepare progress reports for funding agencies; present findings.

Skills

Bioassay development

Data integration

Microbiology techniques

Antimicrobial testing

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology

Job description

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Scientist to lead the selection, development, and application of innovative biological methods to evaluate the efficacy of natural products. In this role, the responsibility will be to design and implement bioassays, drive groundbreaking microbial research, and contribute significantly to scientific publications and funding reports.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Efficacy Screening: Select, develop, and apply tailored biological assays to identify phytochemicals exhibiting promising antibacterial and antifungal efficacy.
• Safety & Efficacy Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive safety evaluations of natural products, collaborating with NCNPR scientists to differentiate and isolate potential safety concerns from promising antimicrobial leads.
• Scientific Communication: Author peer-reviewed scientific publications, write detailed progress reports for funding agencies, and present research findings.
• Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams within the Center to advance natural products research and execute related duties as required.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on expertise in:
  • Developing, validating, and setting up tailored biological assays to address the efficacy of phytochemicals.
  • Integrating analytical data with antimicrobial and antifungal profiles (experience preferred).
  • Utilizing advanced microbiology techniques.
• Toxicology & Phytochemistry Knowledge: A deep understanding of complex mixtures and the identification of active compounds in botanical extracts is required.

Job Responsibilities

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong primary emphasis on the antibacterial, antifungal effects of natural products.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on expertise in:
  • Developing, validating, and setting up tailored biological assays to address the efficacy of phytochemicals.
  • Integrating analytical data with antimicrobial and antifungal profiles (experience preferred).
  • Utilizing advanced microbiology techniques.
• Toxicology & Phytochemistry Knowledge: A deep understanding of complex mixtures and the identification of active compounds in botanical extracts is required.

Education Qualifications

PhD: Microbiology (Required)

Interview Requirements

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.