Postdoctoral Researcher

26707BR

Molecular Biosciences

Position Overview

Founded in 1865, KU is an R1-rated research university with more than 40 graduate programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report. KU enrolls 28,500 students and employs nearly 1,500 faculty members across five campuses (Lawrence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Wichita and Salina). The Office of Research oversees 10 university research centers, two state surveys and about a dozen core laboratories.

Faculty and staff on all KU campuses generated $275.4 million in externally funded research expenditures in fiscal year 2020. Collectively, that activity fuels KU’s mission to be an institution “making discoveries that change the world.” It’s also among the reasons KU retains membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities — one of just 36 U.S. public institutions among 65 that are transforming lives through education, research and innovation.

The Ferreira Laboratory seeks a Ph.D. scientist with expertise in microbiology to work on a KU-funded project within the Department of Molecular Biosciences. This will be a full-time, benefits-eligible unclassified professional staff position at the Postdoctoral Researcher level. The scientist will work on a research project aimed at identifying small molecules produced by skin microbiome members with anti-virulence activity against Staphylococcus spp. and their mechanisms of action. The project encompasses both microbiology, genomics, transcriptomics, and chemical analysis of the compounds. The University of Kansas has state of the art equipment to facilitate the research conducted within the lab. Resources include high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance core labs.

Duties include daily laboratory research, writing grants and publications, presentations at local, and national meetings, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. The position will be housed in the Ferreira Laboratory, at the Department of Molecular Biosciences (MB), and will report directly to Dr. Rosana Ferreira, Assistant Professor in MB. This position will be funded by the start-up account in the name of Dr. Ferreira and is contingent upon the ongoing availability of funds.

As a premier international research university, The University of Kansas is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of all. KU holds steadfast in the belief that a variety of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace. We actively seek applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education.

The successful candidate must have valid U.S. work authorization prior to the start date of appointment.

Job Description

60% - Execute the technical and scientific aspects of experiments within the aforementioned project, including performing growth curves, biofilm assays, genome and RNA sequencing experiments, mass spectrometry analysis of small molecules and crude organic extracts, tissue culture, among others.
20% - Mentor and assist other members of the lab in technical aspects of a microbiology, chemical analysis and molecular biology lab.
10% - Write manuscripts and grant applications.
10% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

This position is on-site, at 4023 Haworth Hall.

Required Qualifications

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6-months.

Preferred Qualifications

Contact Information to Applicants

Rosana Ferreira; [email protected]

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application will include a cover letter and a resume. Apply online and submit a letter describing your qualifications for this position. Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications begins on December 11, 2023 and continues as needed to collect a pool of qualified applicants.  To ensure consideration, apply before the application review date.

Advertised Salary Range

$48,000

Application Review Begins

11-Dec-2023

Anticipated Start Date

02-Jan-2024

Limited Term End Date

01-Jan-2025

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday / 8am - 5pm

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.