Postdoctoral Fellow- MCG-Immunology Center of GA

College/Department Information

The Immunology Center of Georgia (IMMCG) represents a new initiative by the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University to leverage the ability of the immune system to combat disease. The IMMCG will accomplish this by assembling teams of biomedical researchers with strong records of scientific innovation and technological development. The IMMCG will be co-directed by world-class immunologists Drs. Catherine ‘Lynn’ Hedrick and Klaus Ley, both of whom have made major discoveries linking immune cells to specific mechanisms of disease. The goal of the IMMCG is to produce novel and effective treatments for conditions that heavily impact the communities of Georgia and the United States. The new center is aggressively recruiting faculty and staff to lead projects focused on cardiovascular disease, obesity and metabolic disorders, autoimmune and infectious disease, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

Why Join the Rasheed Lab?

• Mentorship Focused on Growth: Dr. Rasheed is deeply committed to providing comprehensive mentorship that fosters scientific independence, career development, and leadership skills.
• Global Collaborations: You will work on research projects with an international network of experts, gaining valuable exposure to global research trends and practices.
• Career Development: Access opportunities to apply for external funding, lead projects, and publish in high-impact journals, with personalized support to help you thrive in your scientific career.
• Collaborative Research Culture: Be part of a vibrant, team-oriented environment where your ideas are valued, and cross-disciplinary and international collaborations are encouraged.

Job Summary

The Rasheed Lab at the Augusta University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to lead innovative research on the metabolic adaptations that regulate immune cell fate and function during cardiovascular disease, with some focus on acute inflammatory diseases and cancer. This position offers the unique opportunity to drive your own research projects in a dynamic and collaborative lab, under the mentorship of Dr. Rasheed. You will receive personalized mentorship to advance your scientific career and develop autonomy to shape your scientific path.

Dr. Rasheed is dedicated to providing rigorous training to postdoctoral fellows, both locally and internationally, fostering their growth as independent scientists in the fields of immunology, hematology, and/or cardiovascular disease. This is an excellent opportunity to develop high-level expertise in cutting-edge techniques, contribute to impactful research, and collaborate with scientists from diverse backgrounds and expertise areas.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities to include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the design, execution, and management of your own research projects, guided by Dr. Rasheed's mentorship and the lab's collaborative spirit. Innovate and develop experimental protocols using advanced molecular biology, microscopy, animal models, hematology, and flow cytometry techniques to advance your research.
• Analyze experimental data and independently troubleshoot challenges to produce high-quality research.
• Present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings, establish a network within your respective research community. Keep up to date with late-breaking literature in your field. Publish original research in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals. Actively contribute to collaborative research papers, review articles, and perspectives.
• Independently apply for funding opportunities (e.g., NIH, AHA) with guidance on writing competitive research fellowships and attaining independent funding (e.g. K99, CDA). Gain mentorship in developing a personalized research trajectory, career advancement strategies, and gaining the visibility needed for independent funding. Participate in international collaborations and gain insight into the broader cardiovascular, immunology, and hematology research communities.
• Provide mentorship to graduate students and junior trainees within the lab, helping them develop the next generation of research skills. Collaborate with scientists in other labs at Augusta University and globally, facilitating cross-disciplinary research and training opportunities. Take part in training programs to support the international development of postdoctoral researchers.
• Perform all other job-related duties as assigned and discussed with Dr. Rasheed.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. or M.D. degree in disciplines such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, Vascular Biology, Hematology or related fields would be an asset.

Demonstrated research publications in peer-reviewed journals are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases.
• Expertise in designing and executing experiments involving high-resolution microscopy and/or high-parameter flow cytometry is desirable.
• Strong scientific curiosity and passion for advancing knowledge in cardiovascular disease, immunology and hematopoiesis.

SKILLS

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to effectively convey research ideas and findings.

ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines and prioritize workload.
• Ability and willingness to work with animal models including handling, dissection, and tissue collection.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development of new research techniques and technical skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in driving your research while contributing to a collaborative team-based environment.