Post Doctoral Fellow

Worcester Polytechnic Institute • Worcester, MA

7d

About The Position

The Bourgeois Lab at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work towards identifying genetic risk factors of severe and post-treatment Lyme disease—caused by B. burgdorferi infection. The project leverages single-cell RNA sequencing, DNA sequencing, cell culture, and clinical data to gain mechanistic insight into why Lyme disease outcomes are variable. As a result, this position involves a mix of computational and experimental tasks.

Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, immunology, genetics/genomics, microbiology, or comparable field
• Robust publication record demonstrating expertise in cell culture, host-pathogen interactions, and bioinformatics
• Demonstrable ability to write clearly and concisely

Nice To Haves

• Specific expertise in performing GWAS analyses is preferred, but not necessary

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory to probe how primary and immortalized human cells respond to Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Maintain clear electronic laboratory notebook describing experimental techniques performed in the lab.
• Leverage bioinformatic skills to analyze transcriptomic data, collect and organize human whole-genome sequencing data, and perform GWAS analyses.
• Keep robust notes on how the code works and key considerations for repeating the analyses.
• Independently read primary literature to remain current on new advances in bioinformatic tools and pipelines, as well as relevant findings in B. burgdorferi host-pathogen interactions.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the lab and across WPI.
• Train undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory.
• Present data and findings to the field through oral presentations and written manuscripts.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Benefits

• competitive and comprehensive employee benefit programs, including paid time off, health insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, and a working environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees