"Postdoctoral Associate"

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Child Health Institute of NJ at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Under the direction of Dr. Morgan Firestein (Principal Investigator) the Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc) will assist in multiple aspects of the lab's research, including study design, data collection, study management, data analysis, and interpretation of findings. The research program is focused on understanding the role of extracellular vesicles and steroid hormones during pregnancy in shaping brain development and behavior. The Postdoc is expected to maintain a high level of communication with the PI and in addition to conducting specialized research experiments, the Postdoc will manage the day-to-day operations of the lab, including the training of new personnel and purchase requests for lab supplies.

Qualified candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in neuroscience, neurobiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, psychology, genetics, pharmacology, or a related field. Candidates must have experience with experimental techniques including one or more of the following: PCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, RNAseq, isolation of extracellular vesicles/exosomes, cell culture, and iPSC differentiation. Expertise in perinatal, placental, or maternal biology, and experience working with extracellular vesicles/exosomes is strongly preferred.

The Postdoc will participate in lab meetings, research in progress seminars, and presentations at conferences. They will prepare manuscripts based on their research, aid in developing the PI's grant applications, and will be expected to apply for personal grant funding. Multiple resources for career development to aid with these requirements will be provided by the PI and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human blood samples to quantify EV concentration and examine cargo material using techniques such as RNA sequencing (RNAseq), Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and immunoprecipitation (IP).
• Maintain and differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into specific cell lineages using established protocols and assist with the design and execution of co-culturing experiments.
• Ensure all lab equipment is operating properly; obtain quotes for frequently used or expensive items and submit purchase recommendations to the PI of equipment and supplies needed in the lab.
• Ensure all members of the lab are in compliance with the necessary trainings (both at the lab and institutional level).
• Keep up to date on the relevant literature in both peer-reviewed and preprint form.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• PhD degree required in any of the following field neuroscience, neurobiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, psychology, genetics, pharmacology, or a related field.
• Must have experience with and working knowledge of multiple experimental techniques, including one or more of the following techniques: PCR, RT-qPCR, ELISA, RNAseq, isolation of extracellular vesicles/exosomes, and cell culture, iPSC differentiation.

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

Salary: Budgeted Salary: $67,000