UNIV - Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Medicine: Division of Infectious Diseases

About the role

The Meissner Research Lab in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine at MUSC is seeking a post‑doctoral fellow to join the laboratory. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have recently obtained (within the past 3 years) or are about to obtain a Ph.D. in immunology, protein biochemistry, virology, or related fields to learn new skills and concepts, apply their existing experience to new research topics, and contribute to discoveries in the field of innate immunity and viral pathogenesis. The lab endeavors to understand the mechanisms of lambda interferon signaling through the lambda interferon receptor 1 (IFNLR1) with the aim of identifying new ways to manipulate this pathway for the treatment of viral infections. Research utilizes a variety of in vitro cell culture models, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be differentiated to various cell types, organoids derived from iPSCs or primary human tissue biopsies, and viral replication models (HBV, RSV, VSV). Studies employ complementary molecular biology techniques, protein assays, and cellular assays. Recent work includes targeted molecular and genetic approaches to manipulate gene and RNA expression. The ideal candidate is an organized, detail‑oriented, and intrinsically motivated person with expertise and interest in innate immunity, virology, and receptor biology; they will be able to learn new research skills, apply existing skills to new research topics, provide experimental assistance, contribute to the development and writing of research grants, contribute to research manuscripts, and work well within a team. Prior experience in RNA biology, molecular biology, and a demonstrated track record of publications and/or preprints is preferred. Familiarity with therapeutic oligonucleotide design and validation is desired. Experience with computational and statistical methods in programming languages is desired but not required. Training will be provided by the PI (Dr. Eric Meissner) and the laboratory’s staff scientist (Dr. Laura Novotny) on all aspects of the role. The successful candidate will join a growing, dynamic research laboratory and will take ownership in establishing best lab practices and a productive working environment for future lab members. This position is available to be filled immediately.

Responsibilities

• 35% - Collaborate with the PI to execute experiments for independent research projects. Maintain cell and organoid cultures. Perform cell‑based assays, treatments, genetic manipulations and other experimental procedures. Perform cellular and molecular biological techniques and protein assays. Develop experimental protocols and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• 35% - Accurately document experimental procedures and data in an electronic notebook. Analyze data and statistically evaluate experimental datasets using appropriate software. Interpret findings in the context of existing scientific literature and integrate results to develop and test hypotheses.
• 25% - Grant Writing: Apply for intra‑ and extramural funding at all stages of their career and assist in writing grants with the PI for laboratory funding.
• 5% - Participate in professional development opportunities by attending seminars and career‑related activities. Participate in weekly laboratory meetings. Draft manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed scientific journals and present work at conferences.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in immunology, microbiology, or related fields.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous)
  • Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous)
  • Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
  • Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
  • Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
  • Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent)
  • Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent)
  • Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
  • Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous)
  • Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
  • Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
  • Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
  • Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous)
  • Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
  • Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
  • Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent)
  • Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches