UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Department of Pharmacology and Immunology

About the role

The Zhang Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina is dedicated to investigating the role of the enteric nervous system in social behavior, infection, and inflammation. Our ongoing projects leverage multiple conditional knockout mouse strains to study how specific enteric neuronal circuits regulate immune and epithelial cell function. Additionally, we utilize germ-free mouse models to explore the influence of commensal microbiota on enteric neuron development, and to elucidate the mechanisms through which enteric neurons detect and respond to pathogens. Our studies employ cutting-edge techniques, including in situ transcriptomics, single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq, whole-mount microscopy, and flow cytometry to investigate the function of enteric neurons in health and disease. Our long-term goal is to develop novel therapeutics targeting intestinal diseases.

Responsibilities

• 30% - Experimental Design and Implementation: Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to design and execute experiments for independent research projects. This includes developing experimental protocols, designing new assays and models, troubleshooting technical challenges, analyzing and interpreting data, and incorporating findings into research publications and grant proposals.
• 30% - Animal Research and Procedures: Conduct routine animal experiments, which involve handling transgenic mice, administering oral and intraperitoneal injections, and performing general rodent procedures.
• 25% - Advanced Assays and Techniques: Perform specialized assays and techniques, including RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and confocal microscopy.
• 10% - Training and Supervision: Assist the Principal Investigator in training and supervising graduate students, technicians, research assistants, and junior lab members.
• 5% - Professional Development and Communication: Engage in seminars and career development activities both locally and nationally, submit abstracts, present research findings at conferences, and, if applicable, contribute to writing postdoctoral fellowship applications and grant proposals.

Requirements

• Prior experience with transgenic mouse models of infection or inflammatory bowel disease is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Recently completed a Ph.D. in immunology, neuroscience, cell biology, or related fields.

Skills

• Strong background in immunology.
• Experience working with animal models.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Pay

Salary range: $0.00 - $0.00

Schedule

Scheduled weekly hours: 40

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work indoors.
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Possess good finger dexterity.
• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
• Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.

Additional New Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.