Post Doctoral Fellow

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Post Doctral , Position # 00024085

The Wu lab investigates fundamental mechanisms of respiratory infection and immunity to help discover new regulators of disease pathogenesis and progression, ultimately revealing new targets for effective therapy of some horrible superbugs’ infection.  Considering bacterial/viral virulence and pathogenesis (Pseudomonas bacterium or SARS-CoV-2 virus), the lab asks how CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems regulate pathogen endogenous gene expression to dictate bacterial invasion and alter the host defense using a combination approach (cell biology, advanced microscopy, negative genetics, and RNA-seq).

Compensation and Appointment:

Position:  Post Doctoral Fellow

Remuneration / Salary: $40,000-45,000/year

Benefits: Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver.  Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans. 

Twelve (12) month, non-tenure track, special appointment with UND SMHS, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Job Summary and Responsibilities:       

As a postdoctoral fellow, the applicant’s responsibility will perform the laboratory based top-notch research to contribute to the field of CRISPR-Cas systems. The person needs to handle modeling dynamical systems, in particular those of microbial immunity against their enemies (phages). New genes, proteins and functional roles will be discovered at regular basis. The person will also apply the results to interrogate empirical data that have been published elsewhere and/or collected by collaborators.

The incumbent will:

• design complex experiments and conduct analyses of new genes for their working mechanisms in CRISPR-Cas immunity, propose new models for applying promising system to gain insights with empirical data.
• Study host-pathogen interaction with gram-negative bacteria or emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 with innate and adaptive immunity focus.
• help prepare reports for PI, writing manuscripts for publication, and presentations for meetings, and constructing research proposals. There will be substantial opportunity to find new systems, novel molecules, and test new models for answering critically sought after questions. 
  
  
  Minimum Requirements: 
• PhD in microbiology, immunology, cell biology or related field.
• 2 years learning on knowledge of: microorganism pathogenesis, evolutionary models of bacterial populations; principles of statistics and bioinformatics.
• 2 years experience in various biomedical lab assays: qPCR, western blotting, mutagenesis, primer design, structural modeling, immune cell culture, imaging, genome sequencing and microarray screening.
• 2 years experience writing reports and presentations.
• 2 years experience compiling and analyzing models and data to draw conclusions.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Requirements:

• Strong research experience in the bacterial mutagenesis, molecular cloning, cell biology, and immunological methods, cell and animal infection, phage-host interaction, analysis and modeling of data from microbial adaptive immunity with CRISPR-Cas systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform high levels of research, summarize and analyze data at frequent basis, develop models of biological systems, and publish the research results high standards. 
• Experience with bioinformatic platforms (R language) and sequencing data analysis.
• Interpreting and communicating material (orally and in writing) into information usable by a diverse target audience. 
• Ability to: originate, produce, develop and independently complete complex research programs; establish collaborative and cooperative scientific relationships.

To apply: Visit https://campus.und.edu/human-resources/careers/job-openings.html and search for Biomedical Sciences under Department to veiw open positions.  Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of 3 references. Position is open until filled. 

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The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic.  Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.  Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process.  This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

This position is subject to a criminal history record check.

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.  The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus.  As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report.  The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.

North Dakota veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date.  Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability (less than one year old) from the Veterans’ Administration.