Postdoctoral Researcher - Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Summary 

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, and according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), a postdoc is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced research training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. In addition, according to the National Postdoc Association (NPA), Postdoctoral appointees can pursue basic, clinical or translational projects so long as their primary effort is devoted toward their own scholarship. Postdocs are essential to the scholarly mission of the mentor and host institution, and thus are expected to have the freedom to publish the results of their scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities  

• Plan, design, and execute complex research studies, procedures, and protocols.

• Lead and manage assigned discovery and research projects, coordinating all study activities.

• Organize, synthesize, and analyze research data; interpret and evaluate results.

• Prepare and present scientific reports, findings, and manuscripts.

• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research staff to develop methodologies and refine lab procedures.

• Maintain lab supplies, negotiate with vendors as needed, and track purchase orders.

• Provide training, daily direction, and mentorship to laboratory personnel; delegate tasks and establish priorities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Knowledge – Skills – Abilities 

Core Scientific Knowledge:

• Biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics.​

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Laboratory and Technical Skills:

• Molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, RT-PCR, cloning, sequencing)

• Mammalian cell culture (primary cells and continuous lines); aseptic technique

• Virological assays (viral propagation, titration such as plaque assays or TCID50, neutralization assays)

• Immunological methods (ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy)

• Basic bioinformatics and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, GraphPad)

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Research and Analytical Abilities:

• Experimental design and troubleshooting

• Complex problem solving and critical thinking

• Data interpretation and utilization

• Knowledge of biosafety regulations and adherence to BSL-2/BSL-3 protocols

• Documentation, records management, and regulatory compliance

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Professional and Communication Skills:

• Scientific writing (progress updates, manuscripts, grant proposals)

• Verbal communication and ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences

• Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams; ability to mentor junior trainees

• Resource and time management to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects

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Qualifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD in a scientific field or MD 

Minimum Required Experience: 0 years        

Preferred Experience: Prior virology research experience (e.g., pathogenesis, antiviral drug development, vaccine studies).Familiarity with animal models for viral infection (if applicable). Record of scientific publications or conference presentations and experience preparing grant proposals and regulatory submissions (e.g., IBC).