Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Viral Immunology Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Viral Immunology

The position is a fully funded postdoctoral position with two years of guaranteed funding. The project is part of a larger interdisciplinary research program called Pathogen Response Optimization by GENeratIng ThErapeutics Rationally (PROGENITER), which aims to design novel antibody-based therapeutics against emerging pathogens with the goal of building products and capacity to prepare for the next pandemic.

The candidate is expected to lead a defined viral immunology project that will involve working with human specimens to assess viral immune responses, using mouse models to test novel antibody-based therapeutics, and working in a CL3 facility to test efficacy of novel immunotherapeutics against viral infection experiments, both in vitro and in vivo. The successful candidate will perform established immunological and virology assays on samples obtained from humans and mice and be responsible for developing and testing new immunological methods in the lab. The candidate will also contribute to other ongoing projects of the laboratory, assisting other experiments whenever necessary and training other members. The candidate will be expected to present their work both internally and externally and contribute to the development of manuscripts.

The preferred candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry, immunological assays, in vivo experiments using mouse models, and CL2 work with virus. Prior experience in CL3 is a plus, but not required. We are looking for a motivated candidate with good organizational skills who enjoys working collaboratively to advance scientific knowledge.

The individual will report directly to Dr. Tokuyama (PI) weekly. The candidate will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work independently and lead a project to manuscript completion. The candidate will be part of the Progeniter team and will be expected to report to the team regularly.

The work performed includes:

• Working on a collaborative project on designing antibody-based therapeutics for respiratory pathogens.
• Training and working in a CL3 facility.
• Developing and establishing new protocols, including biosafety and animal protocols for infection studies and standard operating procedures for new assays in the lab.
• Collecting, analyzing, and summarizing the data.
• Writing research and review articles summarizing results of the research.
• Presenting the work at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Applying for postdoctoral fellowships and co-writing grants with the PI.
• Keeping clear and detailed records of the work and following lab procedures on data management.
• Working closely and collaboratively with other members of the lab and the Progeniter team.
• Engaging with all aspects of the lab's research and contributing to ongoing projects in the lab, whenever appropriate.
• Actively participating in lab chores/activities and contributing to the lab culture.
• Maintaining clear, open, and consistent communication with the PI, the lab, and the Progeniter team.
• Training other members of the lab on assays and experiments.
• Seeking internal and external support for career development.

A high degree of organization, good judgment, integrity, and attention to detail is required in making appropriate decisions. This is especially important for work in the CL3 facility. Work will be checked by the PI and discussed in weekly meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will impact research progress (milestones). If the candidate is not meeting expectations or failing to perform tasks that are assigned, measures such as increasing frequency of meetings with the PI will be put in place to avoid such occurrences. If an error occurred, valuable reagents, research time, and money could be lost. CL2 work with human specimens and viruses and CL3 work with viruses and animals require proper adherence to safe practices or may risk infection or harm to self and/or other lab members.

All experiments and organizational tasks will be performed under the direct supervision of the PI and/or other trained personnel. Written and/or verbal protocols for key procedures will be provided. Once familiar with the techniques and procedures, supervision will continue based on needs.

We are looking for an independent and self-motivated individual with a viral immunology knowledge. As the successful applicant becomes familiar with protocols and procedures, they will be asked to transfer this knowledge to new team members and to assist in their instruction.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Completion of a university degree and PhD in immunology, microbiology, and/or virology.
• Experience in flow cytometry, use of mouse models, CL2 virus work, cell culture, and molecular biology.

Preferred qualifications include:

• CL3 training and experience working with animals in CL3.

Ability to:

• Work effectively independently in a team environment.
• Be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail and record keeping.
• Self-directed and self-motivated to carry out defined projects.
• Interest and enthusiasm for scientific research.
• Prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Organize and complete tasks independently.
• Communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
• Deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Effectively resolving interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.
• Exercise tact and discretion.