Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience

San Diego State University Research FoundationSan Diego, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The College of Sciences is a diverse academic institution encompassing eight academic departments, eight joint doctoral programs, and a multitude of academic program areas. Additionally, it houses the California State University Program, the Education and Research in Biotechnology program, the Coastal Waters Institute, the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, the Molecular Biology Institute, and off-campus sites including the San Diego State University Field Stations and the Mt. Laguna Observatory. Within its ranks, the College boasts a dedicated faculty comprising over 260 full and part-time members, along with a support staff of 80 clerical and technical employees. Their interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing both teaching and research. Leading the College is the Dean, who is assisted by two Associate Deans, an Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, a Resource Manager, and administrative support personnel. The Dean's Office takes responsibility for overseeing all facets of the College's operations, including the initiation, execution, and ongoing support of instructional and research initiatives, as well as planning for the College's future. The Luallen Lab studies small transparent nematodes (including the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans) to easily visualize microbial colonization and infection in live animals, and easily manipulate genes to understand the role that host genetics plays in microbial interactions. Our research starts with ecological sampling to find novel microbes in wild nematodes. Then, we study them in the lab using biological and computational techniques in genetics, comparative genomics, biochemistry, microbiology, and microscopy. In the end, we hope to have a better understanding of the interactions and coevolution occurring between hosts and microbes, with the goal of discovering new ways to manipulate these interactions for the potential treatment of human and animal diseases. PURPOSE OF THE POSITION Postdoctoral Researcher We seek a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects. The successful candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions. Under supervision of Dr. Luallen, this position is intended to provide mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in Microbiology and Genetics. Examples of Post Doc responsibilities include assisting in data collection, management, analysis and dissemination; conducting highly specialized and advanced experiments; designing research protocols; summarizing research findings; mentoring undergraduate/graduate students; preparing manuscripts, attending conferences and presenting at conferences; Work may be performed in the field or in a laboratory setting.

Requirements

  • Doctoral degree or equivalent in an appropriate field
  • Highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects.
  • Expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions.
  • Expected to have extensive experience in both bacterial genetics and C. elegans genetics, as well as undergraduate training.

Nice To Haves

  • Strong hands-on experience.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in nematode maintenance, fluorescent microscopy, gene knockout in bacteria, plasmid engineering, and forward genetic screens is also expected.
  • Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and reproducibility.

Responsibilities

  • Design, conduct, and analyze independent and collaborative research projects; collect and interpret data; maintain research records and ensure compliance with research protocols.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication, contribute to grant proposals, literature reviews, and research reports.
  • Maintain laboratory operations, equipment, databases, and research materials; assist with project coordination and regulatory compliance.
  • Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and/or junior staff in research methods and best practices.
  • Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, and participate in departmental meetings, committees, and collaborative activities.
  • Other Duties as Assigned

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What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Entry Level

Education Level

Ph.D. or professional degree

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