Post-Doctoral Fellow, Pediatric Pulmonology

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: Pediatrics

Position Summary:

A Post-Doctoral Fellow position is available in the VCU School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology. This is a one-year fellowship, although there may be an opportunity to extend for a second and third year (depending on progress in prior year and achievement of training goals). This fellowship would be ideal for a first-year fellow or anyone who may be seeking a 2nd year of fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology.

To learn more about our program and team, please visit our Pediatric Pulmonology Program website at https://pediatrics.vcu.edu/divisions/pulmonary-sleep-medicine/

https://www.chrichmond.org/education-programs/fellowship-programs/pulmonary-medicine-fellowship/

 Core Responsibilities: 

• (75% Effort) Plan, perform and analyze basic cell and molecular experiments using human cells for culture, for protein and RNA isolation, and for analyses. Plan, perform and analyze mouse experiments to expose mice to treatment conditions, and to isolate mouse BAL, blood, cells, tissues for experiments [when no mouse work is required; this effort will be applied to human cells and biospecimen experiments.] This time should also be dedicated to developing their own research niche with the goal of applying to an internal and external research funding.
• (20% Effort) Record all aspects of experiments: protocol, reagents, methods, results, analysis including statistical analysis with assistance as needed from statistician.  Draft presentations including talks, abstracts, posters, papers and produce their own manuscripts for peer reviewed scientific journal publication as a first author.
• (5% Effort) Teach lab students basic lab techniques to assist you with your projects.

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with individuals across a range of disciplines, including clinicians and scientists.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in basic cellular and molecular research, preferably in pulmonary medicine or related areas.
• Experience working with rodent models of disease according to IACUC-approved methods- e.g. administration of drugs, harvesting of blood, bronchoalveolar lavage or tissues
• Proficiency in developing, navigating and maintaining database files (e.g., Excel, Adobe Photoshop, GraphPad Prism, etc.)
• Familiarity with biosafety protocols and IACUC processes and compliance.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Maintenance of laboratory records with sufficient detail for reproducing results- experimental methods, reagents, results, data presentation, preparing manuscripts.
• A strong desire to pursue a career in academic medicine, pulmonary research.
• Creativity and substantial evidence of productive publication history.

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

This will be a minimum one-year appointment, contingent upon satisfactory annual reviews. Salary is commensurate with current NIH NRSA stipend guidelines and applicant experience.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with current NIH NRSA stipend guidelines and applicant experience.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Contact Name: Jewel Jefferson

Contact Email: jewel.jefferson@vcuhealth.org