Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Prasanphanich Lab

Cincinnati Children's

7d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join the Prasanphanich Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases, which studies innate immune and microbial mechanisms involved in controlling infection during pregnancy and in neonates. The lab uses molecular, translational, and computational approaches to understand host-pathogen interactions and ultimately develop therapies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth and neonatal infections.

Current projects use primary human samples to study the effects of placental inflammation on neonatal innate immune antibacterial function and sepsis outcomes; the role of antiviral immune cells and neuroinflammation in viral control and clinical outcomes for infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection; and how placental natural killer cell antimicrobial protein granulysin may protect against infection-related pregnancy complications. The role offers opportunities to develop protocols and projects with the PI, learn high-parameter flow cytometry and other advanced techniques, and collaborate with immunology laboratories and investigators across Infectious Disease, Immunobiology, Neonatology, and Bioinformatics. The lab has access to a BSL-2 laboratory, a tissue culture room, shared divisional equipment, and Cincinnati Children’s core facilities.

The fellow will develop the skills and knowledge needed to become an independent scientist, including critical thinking, data analysis, devising specific aims, long-term project planning, and experimental design. Responsibilities also include conducting and documenting laboratory experiments, improving methods and assays, presenting and discussing research, writing scientific materials, and progressively taking on research staff mentorship and fiscal administration. The fellow will maintain regulatory compliance and participate in required institutional training.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent.
• Self-motivation, independence, innovative ideas, and a passion for driving new projects forward.
• Strong foundation in laboratory molecular biology, microbiology, cell culture, and scientific communication.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in immunology.
• Expertise in flow cytometry.
• Expertise in host-pathogen interactions.
• Expertise in animal models.
• Expertise in translational approaches.
• Expertise in computational approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop critical thinking and data-analysis skills, devise specific aims, plan long-term projects, and design experiments in preparation for becoming an independent scientist.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments; analyze data that may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve methods and evaluate innovative techniques.
• Conduct regular quality and reproducibility checks to ensure protocol and assay accuracy; apply this knowledge in the Division or Department.
• Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
• Discuss experimental insights with faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings; critically review and discuss presented data.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Take on progressively increasing responsibilities, including mentoring research staff and fiscal administration.
• Maintain current knowledge through continuing education, literature, and seminars; participate in intellectual discussions with the PI, faculty, trainees, and research staff.
• Seek feedback on career trajectory from the PI, mentoring committee, and others who can provide coaching and insight.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and comply with applicable institutional policies and procedures, including Infection Control and ORCRA requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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