Postdoctoral Fellow - Pathology

Title: Postdoctoral fellow – inflammatory bowel disease

Department: Pathology

Supervisor Name and Title: Dr. Parameswaran Ramakrishnan, M.S., Ph.D.

I. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

This is a key position within the lab and will be responsible for planning and execution of experiments in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The lab is working closely together with other PI's in Pathology and school of medicine including collaborations with a multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, physicists and clinicians. The qualified candidate will prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data, background and significance and experimental design for grant proposals.

The focus of the current position is inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease and inflammation-induced cancer. Goal is to discover novel molecular mechanisms that could be targeted to develop new therapeutic approaches. Cytokine and TLR signaling induced activation of NF-kB transcription family pathway as well as regulation of cellular functions by other MAPK signaling pathways are key areas of attention. The work will involve experimental techniques ranging from basic molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry to cell culture, animal studies, patient samples and 3D organoid systems. Experience with mouse models and flow cytometry is required. The candidate will work independently and should be competent to read the literature, assist with designing and planning of projects and carry out research on the assigned project. Expected to apply/secure training fellowships. 

II. TECHNICAL SKILLS 

1. Design, plan and carry out experiments in collaboration with PI. Provide assistance and work closely with staff, post-doctoral scholars and graduate students ensuring projects are being completed according to the research plan. Advise/Assist in developing improved techniques, project methods, or procedures.

2. Oversee general lab operations including inventory, lab organization and maintain certain equipment/facilities. Must demonstrate compliance with policies, procedures and regulations of the Animal Resource Center, IACUC, Animal Welfare Act, Public Health Service Policy, AAALAC guidelines and other applicable regulatory guidelines for which essential training will be provided.

3. Analyze and record results. Assist in manuscript preparation.

4. Perform/supervise rodent husbandry including breeding, genotyping and maintain an accurate animal database.

5. Present results in laboratory meetings and other scientific meetings.

6. Perform other duties as assigned.

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILIES 

Train and oversee rotation students and other research staff

IV. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

Ph.D in biological sciences with hands-on experience in Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and mouse work. 

V. YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED 

Ph.D with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research ability in the form of lead author publications.  

VI. PROPOSED SALARY RANGE – As per NIH scale

DESIRABLE SKILLS

1. Ability to work well with others and to work independently strictly following directions and protocols.

2. Ability to collect and analyze data with attention to detail and do multiple tasks simultaneously.

3. Effective oral and written communication skills.  Must be able to effectively communicate with the PI/supervisor as well as other lab members.

4. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals within and external to the University.  

5. Good organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy and follow-through on assigned tasks.

6. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.

7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 

8. Good problem-solving skills; must demonstrate good analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making. 

9. Ability to rely on and follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

10. Ability to operate laboratory equipment and learn to operate new instruments

11. Familiarity with policies and procedures of lab and chemical safety

12. Knowledge in Microsoft Office, database applications, and with internet navigation. 

13. Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, processes, and software programs as needed.

14. Ability to organize, maintain and prepare accurate records

15. Must be willing to adjust working hours according to the nature of ongoing experiments and many times work extended hours to finish the experiments. Working on weekends and holidays maybe required depending on the ongoing experiments and need to accelerate data generation and manuscript and grant preparations.

16. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline. 

17. Self driven effort in terms of thinking, planning, and working is expected.

If you are interested in this position please send resume to  Dr. Parameswaran Ramakrishnan at [email protected]