Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CDI

About the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI)

The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases. The CDI has grown rapidly since its origins in 2019, and now has 39 labs, 200+ scientists and allied personnel supported by 78 NIH and DoD grants and more than 87 other grants and contracts. Areas of expertise include genomics, epigenetics, drug resistance, stem cell biology, drug discovery, diagnostics and biomarker development, rheumatology and pharmacology.

About the Position

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position relates to a lab project that includes (but is not limited to) drug discovery to identify lead candidates for antiviral programs. The work will require handling BSL2 and BSL3 viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Bunyavirus and additional respiratory viruses. Direct report is to Nadine Alvarez, PhD, Supervisor Research Assistant Member Infectious Diseases.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute in vitro experiments independently and collaboratively to support the project's primary objectives
• Perform low- to high-throughput screening of compounds using established experimental protocols
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods
• Prepare and present technical reports, and maintain accurate, up-to-date project documentation and master files
• Conduct research under direct supervision
• Collect, analyze and interpret data
• Create reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions
• Present findings to higher level staff
• Present results in internal and external research forums such as scientific conferences, lab meetings and institutional seminars
• Handle moderately complex issues and problems and refer more complex issues to higher-level staff
• Participate in grant and manuscript writing, as appropriate
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned
• Adhere to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in scientific or related discipline
• Minimum publication or in preparation of one article as first author in a reputable peer-reviewed journal
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Good problem solving skills
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Lab specific techniques (varies by lab)
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms

Skills

• Hands-on expertise with cell line culture and in vitro assays for evaluating antiviral activity (such as TCID50 and plaque assays)
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team

Pay

Minimum rate of $62,233.60 annually. Base compensation determined at the time of offer may differ based on non-discriminatory factors including labor market data, experience, education and certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity, budget and grant funding. Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

Benefits

For full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.