Postdoctoral Fellow - Animal Model Research

Responsibilities

• Initiate and carry out research projects in collaboration with a research team.
• Pursue research along a focused line of inquiry and has a manuscript in development.
• Support Dr. Vidya Kumar in developing Medical Countermeasures in animal models of Acute Radiation Syndrome at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute within the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
• Plan and execute Radiation Countermeasure Development in mice exposed to radiation using various sources in coordination with PI and other lab personnel.
• Present new ideas to understand the mechanism of action of promising Radiation Countermeasure Drugs, develop hypothesis, design, and implement experimental protocols.
• Develop new technologies, write IACUC protocols and amendments.
• Perform specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as western blotting, ELISA, molecular analysis of specific RNA transcripts by quantitative RT-PCR, and flow cytometry.
• Manage day-to-day experiments and mentor technical and junior level staff.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for projects, attend scientific meetings, and write manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.
• Knowledge of molecular and cell biology and laboratory techniques.
• Good communication and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated research expertise including DNA and RNA extraction and purification, molecular analysis of specific DNA, RNA and/or micro-RNA transcripts by quantitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), performing clonogenicity assay, antibody-based protein detection such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, cytokine arrays and ELISA.
• Experience in animal handling, injections, blood and tissue collections.
• Knowledge of using public medical research databases and programs.
• Maintain detailed documentation of research projects.
• Maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and records of quality control in accordance with established requirements.
• Experience with data compilation and analysis using standard software programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, GraphPad prism).
• Knowledge of appropriate scientific area.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background check.