Research Scientist PhD

Children's Mercy KC • Kansas City, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (Director: Dr. Venkatesh Sampath) and the Division of Neonatology (Director: Dr. Steve Olsen) are looking to hire a PhD scientist to conduct translational/ basic science research in the areas of neonatal lung injury and lung developmental biology. The NDRP, which focuses broadly on the molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial and epithelial injury in the context of the developing lung and intestine, is funded by the NHLBI, NICHD, NIDDK, research foundations, and institutional funds. The laboratory uses transgenic mouse models, human genetics, cell-culture models, microbiome analyses, and novel therapeutics to study the inflammatory/ developmental basis of diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and infectious diseases. The laboratory currently employs 5 full time PhD and masters level scientists. Translational research endeavors are supported by neonatal research coordinators. Faculty and clinical fellows from Neonatology as well as faculty from infectious disease and immunology participate in the NDRP. We advocate a culture of discovery, innovation, team science and excellence. Access to an active neonatal genomic biorepository established by Dr. Sampath, that houses de-identified DNA samples from phenotypically well-characterized preterm cohorts, is available. The Neonatal Diseases Research Program (NDRP) laboratories has >1000 sq. feet of wet lab space located on the west side of 7th floor of Children’s Mercy Research Institute, a modern state-of-art research tower that houses 375,000 total sq. ft of research space. Apart from individual labs, the CMRI houses research cores that support genomics, flow cytometry, imaging, GMP biologics, and is developing a rodent vivarium.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with advanced molecular and cell biology techniques to study endothelial/epithelial injury in the context of the developing lung. Specific expertise in endothelial/vascular biology, Crispr/Cas9 gene targeting, use of single cell RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics and rodent work in the lung is preferred. Minimal requirements include a PhD degree with 2-5 years of post-graduate experience. The qualified applicant will work as part of a vibrant team consisting of physician-scientists, research technicians and PhD scientists under the guidance of Dr. Sampath. This position is available for an initial period of 2 years.
At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.
Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Requirements

• PhD degree with 2-5 years of post-graduate experience.
• Post-graduate degree in biological sciences, chemistry, or an affiliated field.
• 3-5 years of experience.
• Experience in working in mice (genotyping, drug treatment etc) is required.

Nice To Haves

• Specific expertise in endothelial/vascular biology, Crispr/Cas9 gene targeting, use of single cell RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics and rodent work in the lung is preferred.
• Single cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, and computational analysis tools (preferred).
• Molecular biology - Cloning, nucleic acid purifications, Sequencing, CoIP, ChIP, Southern and Northern blot, Western blot, In vitro phosphatase assay, Protein purification, ELISA (preferred).
• Cell biology – Stem cell isolation and propagation, cell line creation, cell phenotyping by FACS analysis, cell culture and endothelial cell culture, drug treatment, Cell Transfection (preferred)
• Animal models – Making transgenic constructs (knock-out/in and conditional knock-out), Mouse embryo dissection and organ mirco-dissection (preferred)
• Expertise in endothelial/vascular signaling and lung biology (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team (required)
• Good oral and written communication skills (required)
• Writes and executes protocols for experiments. Organizes, analyzes, and summarizes acquired data, using scientific and statistical techniques, manuscript writing (required)
• Single cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, and computational analysis tools (preferred).
• Molecular biology - Cloning, nucleic acid purifications, Sequencing, CoIP, ChIP, Southern and Northern blot, Western blot, In vitro phosphatase assay, Protein purification, ELISA (preferred).
• Cell biology – Stem cell isolation and propagation, cell line creation, cell phenotyping by FACS analysis, cell culture and endothelial cell culture, drug treatment, Cell Transfection (preferred)
• Animal models – Making transgenic constructs (knock-out/in and conditional knock-out), Mouse embryo dissection and organ mirco-dissection (preferred)
• Experience in working in mice (genotyping, drug treatment etc) is required.
• Expertise in endothelial/vascular signaling and lung biology (preferred)
• Ability to work with trainees and guide them through their projects

Benefits

• The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

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