UNIV - Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Medicine: Division of Infectious Diseases

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Meissner Research Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine at MUSC is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to join our laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have recently obtained (within the past 3 years) or are about to obtain a Ph.D. in immunology, protein biochemistry, virology, or related fields to learn new skills and concepts, to apply their existing experience in new research topics, and to contribute to discoveries in the field of innate immunity and viral pathogenesis. The Meissner lab endeavors to understand the mechanisms of lambda interferon signaling through the lambda interferon receptor 1 (IFNLR1) with an aim towards identifying new ways to manipulate this pathway for the treatment of viral infections. The lab utilizes a variety of in vitro cell culture models including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can differentiated to various cell types, organoids derived from iPSCs or primary human tissue biopsies, and viral replication models (HBV, RSV, VSV). Studies utilize complementary molecular biology techniques and protein and cellular assays. Recent endeavors include targeted molecular and genetic approaches to manipulate gene and RNA expression.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in immunology, microbiology, or related fields.
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
• Ability to work indoors.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Possess good finger dexterity.
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
• Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise and interest in the field of innate immunity, virology, and receptor biology.
• Ability to learn new research skills.
• Ability to apply existing skills to new research topics.
• Ability to provide experimental assistance.
• Ability to contribute to the development and writing of research grants.
• Ability to contribute to research manuscripts.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Prior experience in RNA biology, molecular biology.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and/or preprints.
• Familiarity with therapeutic oligonucleotide design and validation.
• Experience with computational and statistical methods in programming languages.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cell culture and in vitro research techniques.
• Demonstrated track record in the form of a strong publication record on topics related to the lab’s research interests.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the PI to execute experiments for independent research projects.
• Maintain cell and organoid cultures.
• Perform cell-based assays, treatments, genetic manipulations and other experimental procedures.
• Perform cellular and molecular biological techniques and protein assays.
• Develop experimental protocols and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Accurately document experimental procedures and data in electronic notebook.
• Analyze data and statistically evaluate experimental datasets using appropriate software.
• Interpret findings in the context of existing scientific literature and integrate results to develop/test hypotheses.
• Apply for intra- and extramural funding at all stages of their career and assist in writing grants with the PI for laboratory funding.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by attending seminars and career-related activities.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings.
• Draft manuscripts for publication to peer-reviewed scientific journals and present work at conferences.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance

What This Job Offers

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