Postdoctoral Fellow- MCG-Physiology

College/Department Information

The Medical College of Georgia Department of Physiology's focus is the framework of the body's cells, organs, and systems, how they work, and how abnormal function leads to disease. The department is dedicated to outstanding research and excellence in education. Our federally funded scientists study some of the nation's top killers like cardiovascular disease and hypertension, and train independent, creative, productive scholars and PhD graduates, who publish in top tier journals and who are competitive for positions wherever they choose to go. The department offers programs leading to the PhD degree. By virtue of their interdisciplinary training, the department's graduates compete successfully for positions in medical schools, universities, government, and industry.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will focus on completing the aims for Dr. Abais-Battad's project that is part of a recently funded AHA Strategically Focused Research Network on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome (CKMS): Heterogeneity in Women. Scientists in the network work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment fostered by interactions across the many science and medical disciplines. Studies related to the project are approached with a translational perspective, with a specific focus on the contribution of diet, aging, and sex to CKMS susceptibility and progression.

Job Summary

This position is a training position designed to learn, through engagement, in an advanced level of scientific, technical, and administrative work in support of research efforts in Dr. Abais-Battad's research lab in the Department of Physiology. Incumbent will participate in research data collection and documentation within relevant guidelines and protocols, develop and evaluate new research techniques and procedures and perform a variety of complex biological, microscopic, surgical, and statistical/computational procedures. Experiments include functional measures of blood pressure, renal, vascular, and metabolic function, mass spectrometry and lipid analysis, mitochondrial bioenergetics, protein and mRNA expression measures as well as hormone, cell signaling and genetic analyses, among others. The job also involves designing and conducting research projects, presenting at national/international conferences, and writing manuscripts. The PI will closely work with the successful candidate for training in all these aspects, and the candidate will be encouraged to apply for independent postdoctoral fellowship grants.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities to include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in project planning and development of research protocols and carry out experiments while ensuring adherence to accepted scientific principles and compliance with relevant federal guidelines.
• 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 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. Present findings at scientific meetings locally, nationally, and internationally. Compose articles for publication in scientific journals and review articles prepared by others. Submit grant applications.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of students, graduate assistants, and other research personnel engaged in research activities and/or related laboratory work. Advise principal investigator, other postdocs, students, and other research personnel on research techniques, procedures, and other technological aspects of research activities.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and operate microscopes, computer-linked analytical equipment, dedicated computers, and other complex scientific equipment. Instruct others in operation of equipment.
• Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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

Experience working in a formal research setting.

Experience with molecular, genetic and/or physiological measurement techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

A background in cardiovascular physiology/pharmacology or biochemistry, and proficiency in rodent handling and surgical techniques will be considered highly desirable for the position.

Additional experience with genetic analyses such as RNA sequencing, lipid biology, and mass spectrometry will be considered advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases or willingness to learn.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

Basic laboratory skills.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to work independently with only general supervision and meet deadlines.

Ability and willingness to work with hazardous chemicals, research animals, and animal/human tissues.