"Postdoctoral Fellow - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology"

Job Summary
A training position designed to learn through engagement in an advanced level of scientific technical and administrative work in support of research efforts in the laboratory, which focuses on urological cancer biomarkers and therapeutics. This position is for conducting translational research in cancer and benign diseases related to bladder, prostate, and kidney. The projects involve exploration of novel combination treatments for chemotherapy resistant bladder cancer, developing new biomarkers and tests to predict treatment response, and outcome. Benign prostatic hyperplasia project is related to investigation of novel molecular drivers of inflammation-induced prostatic hyperplasia, fibrosis, and immune cell infiltration and a treatment for BPH. Renal cell carcinoma related projects include examination of novel tumor suppressor genes, molecular basis of racial disparity in renal cell carcinoma, establishment of patient-derived preclinical models. The position offers opportunities to conduct bench-to-bedside research that involves routine cell and molecular biology, preclinical models, RNA-seq, including single cell RNA-seq (immune cell profiling) and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities to include but are not limited to:
PROJECT PLANNING: Participate in project planning and development of research protocols while ensuring adherence to accepted scientific research principles and compliance with relevant federal guidelines.
ANALYZE RESULTS: Analyze results of experiments and procedures using manual or computer techniques and, if necessary, develop special computer programs to facilitate analysis. Teach and participate in complex bacteriological, chemical and/or radio-chemical qualitative and quantitative analysis, macro- and micro-serological, histologic and cell culture procedures.
COORDINATE AND PARTICIPATE: Coordinate and participate in research of scientific literature; summarize and evaluate findings; develop derivative applications of techniques developed by own research activities or reported by other research projects. Presents findings at scientific meetings locally, nationally and internationally.
COMPOSE ARTICLES: Compose articles for publication in scientific journals; review articles prepared by others.
SUPERVISE AND COORDINATE ACTIVITIES: Supervise and coordinate activities of students, graduate assistants and other research personnel engaged in research activities and/or related laboratory work. Advise principal investigators, other postdocs, students and other research personnel on research techniques, procedures and other technological aspects of research activities.
EQUIPMENT: Calibrate, troubleshoot, repair and operate microscopes, computer-linked analytical equipment, dedicated computers and other complex scientific equipment; instruct others in operation of equipment.
OTHER DUTIES: Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Ph.D. from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications
A recent PhD (less than 1 year) in Medicinal Chemistry, Nanoparticles, Cell Biology or Drug Development.
Documented hands-on experience and understanding of the following techniques: molecular biology (real time PCR, primer design, cloning, DNA methylation, methylation PCR), ELISA, immunoblot and cell culture assays, including primary cultures is essential. Experience in working on xenograft, syngeneic mouse models is essential (orthotopic mouse models, desirable). Familiarity with RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, immune cell profiling and bioinformatics is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases or willingness to learn.
Proficiency in oral and written communication in English is required.
Understanding of RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, immune cell profiling is essential.
SKILLS
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
The position requires documented hands-on experience and understanding of standard cell and molecular biology techniques, cell signaling and animal models.
Highly motivated and committed to achieving excellence in the form of productivity and publications.
Writing and editing manuscripts, protocols and research plans.
Must be detail oriented.
ABILITIES
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability and willingness to work with research animals.
Ability to work independently and efficiently, and complete work and meet deadlines.

Shift/Salary/Benefits
Shift: Days; Monday - Friday (Work outside of normal business hours may be required).
Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position.
Recruitment Period: Until Filled.
Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.
Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.