Postdoctoral Fellow - Bacteriology - Req # 15-0014 | Society of Life Sciences (SoLS)

Application materials (as a single PDF) should include: 1) cover letter (explaining interests and goals) 2) curriculum vitae (with most relevant publications highlighted) 3) names and contact information for at least 4 references.

Purpose
The purpose of this position is to perform research in the Damron-Barbier Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology at West Virginia University. The Damron-Barbier Lab is focused on understanding bacteria that cause respiratory infections such as those that occur in people with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis and the disease whooping cough. The goals of the lab are to develop new vaccines to prevent whooping cough (caused by Bordetella pertussis) and treatments to clear Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.

The incumbent serves as a resource contact relative to the research project. Depth skills, knowledge, and interpretive abilities, as well as some creativity, are required to successfully perform duties. Independently uses professional concepts and organizational policies to solve a wide range of moderate to complex problems in imaginative and practical ways. Work effort often addresses non-routine matters within established protocol, guidelines, and/or policies. Work effort has significant impact on client services and operations, producing moderate to major organizational, legal and financial results and/or liabilities. Position duties require oversight of projects.

Duties & Responsibilities
Responsibilities are functional in nature, and performed under limited supervision. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:
1)Standard bacteriology such as culturing of bacteria and characterizing the properties of the organisms.
2)Genetic engineering which includes manipulation of DNA and development of strains of bacteria.
3)Biochemical techniques such as protein purification.
4)Gene expression profiling by qualitative polymerase chain reaction and protein quantification.
5)Infection, monitoring, and data collection of animal models of infection in relation to vaccination.
6)Develop new laboratory protocols and methods.
7)Assist undergraduate and graduate students on their research projects.
8)Formulate an individual development plan with the PI and work towards reaching the career objectives.
9)Attend research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings.
10)Identify and assist with acquisition of funding from public, private, and governmental sources.
a.Assist with development of novel research proposals for sponsor submission.
b.Write proposals, papers, and abstracts to attract research funds.
11)Perform laboratory activities according to protocols.
a.Independent experimental data analysis.
b.Maintain detailed logs of work related activities, including accurate laboratory records and data on research methods, procedures, and results.
12)Oversee research facilities and personnel and coordinate with the Principal Investigator
a.Assure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements.
b.Oversee and direct undergraduate and graduate researchers in the completion of experiments.
c.Maintain lab equipment; keep accurate inventory of lab assets; monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment.
13)Write and present research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator.
14)Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation to colleagues and the sponsor; at professional/technical conferences; and/or, for publication in scientific journals, as directed.

Supervisory/Lead Role
This position reports to the Principal Investigator (PI), but may also take direction from the Co-PI. Weekly private and lab meetings with the PI/Co-PI will provide directions but the incumbent will work independently to help reach the goals of the laboratory. General sharing of knowledge and team participation is expected in the role. Guidance or supervision of others may be required.

Physical Demands
Requires physical abilities to perform laboratory research, including manual dexterity and abilities to see, hear, walk, talk, and feel. Individual is required to lift and carry items of 25lbs or less or transport such items by cart. Walking and stair climbing occur on a daily basis. Some travel to conferences and meetings will occur as needed.

Work Environment
Work will be performed in a standard laboratory environment, using computers and laboratory equipment with electrical connections. The incumbent must comply with all laboratory safety procedures and clothing/equipment requirements. There will be exposure to laboratory chemicals, electrical supplies, but protective measures will be provided. It is required that the incumbent be comfortable with working with laboratory animals. The incumbent will be trained to perform research as directed by labs IUACUC approved protocols. Training on all of the following topics will be required to perform the research: chemical, biohazardous, blood-borne pathogen, and working with laboratory animals.

Requisite Qualifications Education and/or Experience
1)PhD in microbiology, bacteriology, biomedical science, biochemistry, biology, or a field directly related to bacteriology.
2)Experience in one or more of the following topics: bacteriology, molecular biology, animal models of disease, biochemistry, immunology, and bioinformatics.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
1)Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
2)Skilled at identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
3)The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
4)Ability to document and present the results of research.
5)Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format as well as use original or innovative techniques or style due to the nature of the scientific content of the material being presented.
6)Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences
7)Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
8)Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.).
9)Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
10)Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
11)Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
12)Ability to meet deadlines, as well as prepare, present and report results effectively.
13)Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of co-investigators from diverse disciplines, orientations, and organizations.
14)Ability to do strategic planning for program development.

Behavioral Competencies
1)Technical skills – Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; pursues training and development opportunities; assess strengths, weaknesses, and shares expertise with others.
2)Problem solving – Gathers and analyzes information, identifies problems, develops alternatives, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics and works well in groups and resolves matters timely.
3)Interpersonal Interactions in the Workplace – Manages difficult or emotional matters with objectivity and openness; responds promptly to needs and requests for service and assistance; meets commitments and dates, notifies others if change occurs; provides, solicits and applies feedback; and builds goodwill through balanced contributions, positive approach, respect and support of others.
4)Communications – Demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings, listens and gets clarification, is responsive and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations. Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, presents numerical data effectively, and able to read and interpret written information.
5)Organizational Support – Aligns work and develops strategies to meet organizational goals; seeks to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; and upholds organizational expectations and values.
6)Self-Management – Responds to management direction; resourcefully adapts to changes in work environment and circumstances; responds well under pressure and manages competing demands; takes calculated risks, asks for and offers help when needed; exercise discretion and sound judgment; is tactful and responsible for own actions. Adheres to work schedule and complies with leave management responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications & Credentials Education and/or Experience
1)Microscopy, IVIS imaging, cell culture, vaccine development, and/or other related experience.
2)Knowledge or experience with next generation sequencing, transcriptomics, or bioinformatics.