Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clasen lab in the Department of Microbiology at UTK is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in structural biology. The lab studies the relationship between the host immune system and the commensal microbes that colonize the intestinal tract. We seek to understand how host immune responses impact microbial behavior. To address this, we employ a combination of techniques in molecular biology and immunology, next generation sequencing, and in vitro and in vivo models. This position contributes to the daily operations of the laboratory by ordering and maintaining lab supplies, organizing and managing laboratory space and databases, and supporting new lab members and experimental projects. The role requires performing and troubleshooting a variety of experiments while maintaining detailed laboratory records. Experimental techniques may include protein analysis such as expression and purification, cryo-EM, ELISA, western blotting, and immunoprecipitation; cell analysis including cell sorting, separation, and flow cytometry; bacterial culturing under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; molecular biology techniques such as cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, and PCR; microscopy; and 2D and 3D cell culture. Additional responsibilities may include mouse organ dissection and preparation of cells and tissues for downstream assays. The position also involves working with animals and maintaining mouse colonies by serving as the primary health contact for animals, managing detailed colony and breeding records, and performing mouse tagging, weaning, and genotyping.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in a biochemistry-related field
• Ability to be respectful, collegial, and work well with colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of basic laboratory safety procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work with animals
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the duties/responsibilities
• Routine molecular biology/immunology techniques

Nice To Haves

• Animal handling experience
• Highly motivated and the ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• The ability to develop independent research ideas
• The ability to support the lab by participating in laboratory meetings and assisting in establishing standard operating protocols

Responsibilities

• Ordering and maintaining lab supplies
• Organizing and maintaining lab space and databases
• Supporting new lab members and experimental projects
• Perform and troubleshoot experiments and maintain detailed laboratory records
• Protein analysis (Expression/purification, cryo-EM, ELISA, western blot, immunoprecipitation)
• Cell analysis (cell sorting/separation, flow cytometry)
• Bacterial culturing (aerobic and anaerobic)
• Molecular biology techniques (cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR)
• Microscopy
• Cell culture (2D and 3D)
• Mouse organ dissection and preparation of cells and tissues for downstream assays
• Serving as the primary health contact for animals
• Maintaining a detailed inventory of mouse colonies and ongoing breeding
• Tagging, weaning, and genotyping mice

Benefits

• UT Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree