Post Doctoral Fellow - Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology

The West Virginia University Research Corporation is seeking applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow. The position supports multiple vaccinology-immunology-microbiology-related projects within the Vaccine Development Center in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. This team uses in vitro and in vivo animal models, cell and molecular biology techniques, next-generation sequencing, and highly complex immunological assays to determine vaccine efficacy.

The position will support Bordetella pertussis vaccinology-immunology-related projects within the Vaccine Development Center (VDC) in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. The position will perform daily operations related to different research projects and laboratory use, following prescribed protocols established in the laboratory. This may include performing experiments in murine models and handling mice and rats.

Within the VDC, you will focus on research projects involving Bordetella pertussis the causative agent of Whooping Cough. You will be responsible for experimental design, implementation, regulator aspects, reporting, data analysis and project management. Additionally, you will be required to coordinate efforts across the team, as well as mentor student trainees.

The ideal candidate will assist in all assay and experimental set ups as per SOPs and at the direction of supervisors. This would include ordering of necessary materials and resources, scheduling/coordination, culture of bacteria, challenge, and evaluation of vaccine correlates of protection. Infection, monitoring, and data collection of animal models of infection in relation to vaccination. Develop new laboratory protocols and methods. Attend research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and current research findings. Perform laboratory and field experiment activities according to protocol. Assure compliance with research protocols and safety requirements. Assist with undergraduate and graduate researchers in the completion of experiments, maintain lab equipment, keep accurate inventory of lab assets, and monitor and assure proper use and conditions of lab equipment. Write and present research/study status reports for review and use of the Principal Investigator. 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.

In order to be successful in this position, the ideal candidate will:

• Conducting novel vaccine or antibody therapeutic projects for mRNA vaccine projects at the Vaccine Development Center
• Conducting assay development for the Vaccine Development Center
• Conduct immunological studies to understand antibody responses to Bordetella pertussis infection and candidate vaccines.
• Conducting Molecular Biology Techniques.
• Conducting vaccinology research.
• Conducting animal challenge experiments.
• Conducting Immunological assays such as ELISA, and Flow Cytometry.
• Supporting routine laboratory operation, such as preparation of reagents and maintenance of animal colonies, cleaning and organization of the laboratory
• Assisting graduate and undergraduate students.
• Preparing manuscript and data presentations.
• PhD in microbiology, immunology, biology, or related science field;
• 0-4 years' of experience performing related in vitro and in vivo experiments, propagation of virus, cellular and molecular research;
• or An equivalent amount of experience and/or education.
• Proficient in immunological techniques, such as ELISA, Multiplex Assays, ELISPOT, Flow Cytometry, as well as cellular and molecular biology techniques
• Skilled in Molecular Biology
• Skilled in cell culture techniques
• Skilled in microbiological and immunological techniques.
• Ability to perform vaccine efficacy studies
• Ability to maintain animal colonies.
• Skilled to use scientific methods and rules to solve problems.
• Skilled at operating laboratory instrumentation.
• Skilled to identify complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail.
• Basic Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biology.
• Working knowledge of using laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of laboratory protocols, and procedures.
• Knowledge of animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, environment.
• Knowledge of uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Ability to gather, understand and implement technical protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence