Research Scientist - Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology

at  Virginia Commonwealth University

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position will support the work of a funded research laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The successful applicant will be an integral senior member of a team seeking to develop vaccines and diagnostic assays for Leptospirosis and tick-borne diseases. The applicant will develop, conduct, coordinate, and supervise the research activities of the research studies conducted by the principal investigator(s). Besides expertise in routine microscopy, immunochemistry, immunoblotting, ELISA, bacterial cultivation (specifically of Leptospira and Borreliella), and molecular biological (PCR, qPCR, cloning, gene synthesis) techniques, the applicant must have expertise in performing procedures with mice and rats and must have developed and demonstratable skill in protein purification (soluble and insoluble), and protein analysis (thermafluor assays, circular dichroism, whole-cell patch-clamp physiology. The position requires creativity, high motivation, and solid record keeping and communication skills. The applicant may work independently or as a member of a team resolving routine-to-complex issues, while resolving more complex issues in coordination with the principal investigator/PI(s).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have experience in cultivating Leptospira
• Must have experience with rodent in vivo and primary in vitro approaches
• Experience with HPLC and FPLC

1.) Experimental Work/Data Collection:

• Design and perform experiments within the planned timeframe. Depending on the task, the applicant may work independently, as a member of a team, or direct members of the laboratory team to perform experiments
• Analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions, and be able to strategically plan the next step in coordination with the PI as appropriate
• Keep detailed and organized records of the work, the methodology, and the outcomes

2.) Data Analysis and Presentation:

• Use appropriate templates/software to record data, analyze (including statistical analyses) and interpret data
• Use appropriate software to generate and present findings in a variety of media, including scientific posters, platform presentations, and publications
• Write sections of manuscripts or drafts of complete manuscripts and participate in authorship
• Participate as Key Personnel on Federal grant applications

3.) Laboratory Maintenance:

• Work with lab members to ensure that the lab is clean and safe and that equipment is appropriately maintained and in working order
• Perform assigned maintenance tasks related to your work (e.g., periodic cleaning of cell culture incubators, defrosting freezers, recalibration of equipment)
• Adhere to federal and state regulations related to workplace safety and DEA compliance
• Work independently as appropriate and professionally and efficiently within a research group