Post-Doctoral Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Microbiology and Immunology

Department Summary: Located on the MCV Campus in downtown Richmond, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is home to a vibrant community of researchers, educators and learners. With a strong history of research funding, our department strives to advance scientific knowledge in the biomedical sciences and inform medical advancements that improve patient outcomes. Our innovative studies span a broad spectrum of areas within the fields of microbiology and immunology:

Allergy and autoimmunity
Host-pathogen interactions and molecular pathogenesis
Human microbiome science and microbial genomics
Reproductive immunology
T-cell therapy and vaccine development
Tumor biology, cell signaling and epigenetics

As educators, we are proud to provide a collaborative, collegial learning environment for our students. Faculty and postdoctoral fellows serve as dedicated mentors, providing an individualized educational experience and shaping the next generation of successful scientists.

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct research in the laboratory of Dr. José Fachi in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. The laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate intestinal immunity, host-microbiota interactions, and mucosal inflammation. Research projects combine immunology, microbiology, metabolism, and genetically engineered mouse models to understand how immune cells communicate with the intestinal environment during homeostasis and disease.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Immunology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field and a strong background in experimental biomedical research. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in immunology, flow cytometric analysis (FACS) of complex immune populations, genetically engineered mouse models, preparation and analysis of lymphoid and intestinal tissues, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques.

The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to conduct research with increasing independence, including experimental design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and development of research projects in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. The candidate will also contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, grant-related research activities, and mentoring and training of junior laboratory members.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1.) Conduct research in intestinal and mucosal immunology

• Design, perform, and analyze experiments investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal immunity and host-microbiota interactions
• Isolate and characterize immune cells from intestinal and lymphoid tissues using multicolor and spectral flow cytometry
• Perform functional analyses of innate and adaptive immune cell populations
• Conduct experiments using genetically engineered mouse models and models of intestinal inflammation and infection
• Perform immunological, molecular, microbiological, and cellular analyses
• Develop and optimize experimental approaches to address research questions
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and troubleshoot experiments as needed

2.) Research development and scientific communication

• Develop research hypotheses and experimental strategies in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
• Review and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature
• Analyze experimental data and prepare publication-quality figures
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, and scientific conferences
• Contribute scientific data and writing to grant applications and research proposals
• Participate in collaborative research projects within and outside the laboratory

3.) Maintaining proper research records and scientific rigor

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records
• Organize, analyze, and appropriately maintain research data
• Ensure reproducibility and appropriate documentation of experimental procedures and results
• Follow institutional requirements related to research integrity, laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal research
• Assist with the development and maintenance of experimental protocols and standard operating procedures

4.) Contribute to laboratory research and training

• Collaborate with other laboratory members on ongoing research projects
• Assist with training and mentoring students, technicians, and other junior laboratory personnel in experimental techniques and research practices
• Share expertise in relevant laboratory techniques, including flow cytometry, mouse experimentation, tissue processing, and molecular and cellular approaches
• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and other departmental research activities
• Contribute to a collaborative and productive laboratory environment

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or another related life science discipline
• Demonstrated experience conducting biomedical research
• Experience with experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation
• Strong laboratory and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain accurate scientific records and organize research data
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in immunology, microbiology, mucosal immunology, or host-microbiota interactions
• Experience with FlowJo or other flow cytometry analysis software
• Experience with multicolor and/or spectral flow cytometry
• Experience working with genetically engineered mouse models
• Experience isolating immune cells from lymphoid and/or intestinal tissues
• Experience with mouse models of intestinal inflammation and/or infection
• Experience with tissue culture techniques
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, or other molecular biology techniques
• Experience with data analysis and scientific figure preparation
• Evidence of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at scientific meetings
• Experience mentoring or training junior researchers

Salary Range: Starting at NIH minimum of $63,480 – $65,000

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Contact Information:

Contact Email: SOMHR@vcuhealth.org