Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Chemistry

West Virginia University • West Virginia, WV

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Chemistry in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow. Under the leadership of Professor Matthew Lockett, the incumbent in this position will conduct research in the field of bioanalysis, focused specifically on the development of mammary tissue models to evaluate intercellular signaling dynamics in cocultures that represent different aspects of tumor progression. The project will develop new 3D culture formats in which cocultures of multiple cell types are maintained and analyzed in tissue-like environments. This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits-eligible position.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or Biology is required.
• Molecular biology-based assay development
• Preparation and analysis of samples for bulk sequencing analyses, including to RNASeq
• Preparation and analysis of samples with protein-based assays, including Western blots and ELISAs
• Tissue culture experience
• Ability to design and implement independent laboratory experiment activities according to protocol.
• Ability to adapt current protocols to meet experimental needs.
• Ability to perform independent analyses of data obtained from experiments.
• Ability to draw conclusions from data obtained from experiments and determine next steps.
• Ability to effectively communicate and defend experimental findings, data interpretation, conclusions and significance in formal and informal group settings.
• Ability to effectively communicate experimental results in presentations, publications, and other professional communications.
• Ability to complete and publish at least one first-author per year in the Lockett Group.
• Ability to search the literature and identify key publications in areas related to research activities.
• Ability to identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources, including assistance with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Ability to maintain detailed logs of work-related activities, including accurate laboratory records and data on research methods, procedures, and results.
• Ability to ensure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements.
• Ability to maintain accountability for laboratory results and progress.
• Ability to oversee research facilities, maintaining lab equipment; inventory of lab assets; monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment and personnel as needed.
• Requires the ability to perform research, working in a wet chemical laboratory that requires dexterity when using personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle cell samples and chemicals.
• Movement across campuses (health sciences, engineering, downtown) occurs on an as needed basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D printing and microfabrication techniques

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze experiments independently to solve a wide range of moderate to complex research challenges.
• Maintain detailed logs or research-related activities, develop and write-up experimental protocols, accurately record data and research methods.
• Maintain tissue cultures in monolayer and 3D environments.
• Perform cell-based assays capable of assessing cellular health.
• Perform molecular biology-related assays in which transcript, protein, and metabolites are quantified in a targeted and non-targeted (-omics) manner.
• Train laboratory members in techniques they learned in previous research experiences and develop within the laboratory.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for research goals.
• Read scientific literature, attend workshops and research conferences to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
• Work closely with Prof. Lockett, meeting frequently to discuss research progress and results.
• Attend sub-group meetings and provide feedback and guidance to other laboratory members, as well as receive feedback on their progress.
• Effectively communicate and defend their experimental findings, data workup, and interpretations.
• Work closely with Prof. Lockett to prepare manuscripts for publication, technical abstracts for conferences, and grant proposals.
• Assist, as needed, in the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students who are part of the Lockett Laboratory.
• Coordinate collaborations with research groups within West Virginia University and external institutions, including National Laboratories.
• Assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources, including assistance with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
• Complete an Individual Development Plan (an assessment tool designed to help develop and monitor professional goals unique to the incumbent’s career development) within 3 months of starting, and to update this annually.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• benefits-eligible

What This Job Offers

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