Postdoctoral Associate – Keeler Lab

Postdoctoral Associate

PhD degree (within 2 years) or be in the process of completing a PhD in biological sciences (e.g., molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, Immunology, or related fields)

A postdoctoral associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Geoffrey Keeler. The project focuses on development of novel immunotherapies to treat autoimmune disease, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis. We are particularly interested in developing new AAV vectors to establish immune tolerance and treat disease at reduced doses, understanding the mechanisms driving immune tolerance following AAV liver-directed gene therapy, and evaluating the immune responses associated with AAV administration. The work relies heavily on the use of animal models for MS and mammalian cell culture.

The ideal candidate is expected to be highly motivated with a strong work ethic and demonstrated creativity with prior publications.

Duties:

• Design and develop research projects with the Principal Investigator
• Lead independent research projects simultaneously alongside collaborative projects with other team members
• Conduct experiments using a variety of techniques including molecular cloning, DNA mutagenesis, vector production, qPCR, RT-qPCR, Southern and Western blotting, FACS, tissue cultures, and animal experiments, etc.
• Perform data collection and analysis
• Test, optimize, troubleshoot new and existing methods and techniques, and update protocols
• Prepare and maintain biological stocks
• Maintain proper lab and experimental records, both digital and hard copy
• Guide and train undergraduate and graduate student researchers
• Prepare scientific results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and grant applications
• Maintain laboratory equipment and order supplies as needed
• Present results at internal and external meetings and scientific conferences

Commensurate with education and experience.

PhD degree (within 2 years) in biological sciences (e.g., molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or related fields)

The ideal candidate is expected to be highly motivated with a strong work ethic and demonstrated creativity with prior publications, as well as:

• Two first-author peer-reviewed publications in English language journals
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques including cloning, qPCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Southern and Western blotting
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad, Photoshop, SnapGene, etc
• Experience in virology, AAV vectorology
• Experience with handling laboratory animals

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (CV), and a cover letter including a brief description of research experience and future goals, and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on immediately and will continue until a sufficient applicant pool has been established.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/. (http://www.naces.org/)