Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Description:

Every great life-changing discovery begins the same way—with new knowledge. It can change everything, from a single life to the future of entire communities. That’s why academic medicine, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge, is at the center of everything we do at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). In the role of a Postdoctoral Fellow you will beworking in the department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy.

The Patterson lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to lead studies related to one or more of our exciting research areas in heart regeneration, development, and somatic cell polyploidization. Potential projects could include lineage tracing with a novel mouse model, forward genetic and systems biology approaches utilizing a unique genetic resource available at MCW, or examination of a candidate gene. Lots of opportunities to expand existing ideas or bring your own. The position is fully funded, however there are several opportunities to pursue your own funding if you wish. 

The Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy is vibrant with young faculty and many students and postdocs. CBNA has multiple programs in place to support career development and the transition from postdoc to faculty or other scientific careers. The Patterson Lab is also a member of a highly collaborative group studying cardiac development and regeneration, which participates in weekly meetings and journal clubs. Further support comes from the highly interactive Cardiovascular Center.

Primary Functions                 

• Independently design and execute complex experiments relevant to designated research project.
• Troubleshoot and adapt common molecular biology techniques (such as immunostainings, cloning, microscopy, etc.) to fit the needs of the project. Develop new creative methodologies when necessary.
• Maintain an organized and up-to-date laboratory notebook, complete with methodologies, data, and interpretation of results.
• Teach and guide technicians and graduate students to perform various standard techniques, and mentor them on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Participate in collaborations and communications with principal investigators and fellow scientists where new methodologies and expertise are needed for project.
• Participate in regular lab meetings with principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, evaluate lab procedures.
• Interact and participate in departmental meetings, including relevant seminars and journal clubs.
• Animal (primarily rodent) handling, including genotyping, colony maintenance, surgeries, dissections, etc.
• Primary cell culture
• Fluorescence and confocal microscopy

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

Candidates should have a PhD in biomedical sciences, however we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds to bring new perspectives. Successful applicants should be highly self-motivated, have strong scientific communication skills, scientific integrity, strong data management and organizational skills, and the ability to think and work independently. Evidence of a past project success is a must.  

In addition, candidates must have previous laboratory experience including sound experimental design, standard molecular biology techniques, data management, and the ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures. Experience with animal husbandry and genotyping are beneficial, but not required. Personal comfort handling rodents is necessary.

Preferred Schedule:
M-F 8-5 pm

Position Requirements:

Minimum Required Education:               PhD

Minimum Required Experience:             No experience required

Preferred Education:                             Biomedical Sciences, Cardiac biology, gentics or cell and developmental biology

Preferred Experience:                            Led a scientific research project resulting in a first-author publication 

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc. 

For a full list of positions see: www.mcw.edu/careers  

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

Eastern Wisconsin is a vibrant, diverse metropolitan area.  MCW is intent on attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce and faculty body that reflects the community we serve. We value diversity of backgrounds, experience, thought, and perspectives to advance excellence in science and medicine.  MCW is a welcoming campus community with a strong culture of collaboration, partnership, and engagement with our surrounding community. For more information, please visit our institutional website at https://www.mcw.edu/departments/office-of-diversity-and-inclusion . 

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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