Postdoctoral Research Associate - Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept of Medicine

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept of Medicine
Posted on January 13, 2023
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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept of Medicine

Hiring Department: Department of Medicine

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1016417

 

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

 

Description:

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the Dr. Ece Mutlu lab in the Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago to study microbiome in human and animal samples for a variety of projects relating to diet and gastrointestinal disease.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Collect, store, and process biological samples including stool, blood, urine, and tissue from patients; perform aerobic and anaerobic culture of bacteria and bacterial function assays and cell cultures; perform a variety of laboratory procedures such as DNA/RNA extraction, Elisa, Western blot, various functional assays, protein assays, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, organoid preparation, etc.; keep laboratory records of all experiments performed in detail; receive, prepare, and ship biological samples; assist in ordering and organizing laboratory supplies and equipment; maintain a tissue/sample database; assist undergraduate and graduate students in their learning experience in the lab; attend relevant meetings, prepare graphs, slides, tables of data; and write parts of scientific papers and perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

Ph.D or equivalent degree in microbiology, immunology, biology, chemistry, or related science. Laboratory coursework required.  Proficiency in cell culture and anaerobic bacterial cultures is a must. We are looking for a deep understanding of basic microbiology and cell biology techniques with focus on anaerobic microbiology and cell culture. Able to immediately contribute to microbial isolation and culturing of human gut commensals from complex samples and creating a microbial strain library by isolating human microbiota commensals is needed. Skills needed include assessing microbial viability and enumeration of microbes grown in single cultures as well as from complex samples, preparation of microbial culture media and frozen microbial stocks, using/developing biochemical and other assays to characterize microbes, and engineering bacteria for therapeutic gains through molecular cloning, plasmid generation and transfer, etc. A minimum of 6 months laboratory experience in microbial culture.  Experience with molecular biology techniques and approaches, including DNA extraction and quantification, PCR/qPCR and primer design is needed. Experience with animal models and next generation sequencing is highly desirable. Experience in virology esp.bacteriophages in addition to bacteriology is considered a plus. Experience is bioinformatics tools is considered a plus. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail essential. Be adaptive to learn new laboratory techniques as needed to support new experiments. Ability to work in fast-paced laboratory environment as part of a team.

To Apply, Submit Resume and Application at: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2839?c=uic

***Current Employees Must Login To The Current Employee Job Board at jobs.uic.edu to apply to this position

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters  to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation