"Postdoctoral Fellow - Vascular Biology Center"

The Vascular Biology Center at the Augusta University seeks a motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join our team of discovery and translational researchers in the area of Cardiovascular Research. The incumbent will work in a highly collaborative environment and is expected to be an excellent team player. Good communication skills are necessary and a sense of urgency in driving the study forward is required. The major emphasis of the position will include studying molecular pathways that regulate angiogenesis in peripheral artery disease (PAD). The primary focus of the incumbent will be to understand how anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform signaling regulates angiogenesis in ischemic tissue environment. Examples of recent publications from the lab in this area are 1) Circulation. 2019 Jan 8;139(2):226-242, 2) Circ Res. 2017 Jan 20;120(2):282-295. Our lab uses in vitro, in vivo preclinical PAD models and uses human samples to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate ischemic angiogenesis.

A training position at an advanced level of scientific technical and administrative work in support of research efforts. Participate in research data collection and documentation; develop and evaluate new research techniques and procedures; publish results in scientific journals. Perform a variety of complex chemical, biological, cytologic, microscopic, histologic, surgical, statistical/computational and dissection procedures. The major focus is centered on cardiovascular disorders associated with HIV infection with an interest in the investigation of the sex specificity of the mechanisms, developing new mouse models to study the mechanisms whereby HIV induces a premature cardiovascular aging and promotes the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Multiple experimental techniques including small animal surgery, telemetry, quantitative real time PCR, Western blots, unbiased genome wide RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq), CRISPR-Cas genome editing, and confocal microscopy. In vitro cell culture, PCR, Western Blot Mouse surgery including telemetry, gonadectomy, mini-pump implantation, tissue isolation, histology studies, fluorescence microscopy for imaging. Mouse physiology measurement, including Echo for cardiac and vascular function. Data analysis, grant, and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities to include but are not limited to:

• EXPERIMENTS: 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.
• PROJECT PLANNING & PROTOCOLS: Participate in project planning and development of research protocols while ensuring adherence to accepted scientific research principles and compliance with relevant federal guidelines.
• SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE & MEETINGS: Coordinate and participate in research of scientific literature; summarize and evaluate findings; develop derivative applications of applications of techniques developed by own research activities or reported by other research projects. Present findings at scientific meetings locally, nationally, and internationally.
• ARTICLES: Compose articles for publication in scientific journals; Review articles prepared by others.
• GENERAL DUTIES: 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.
• TECHNICAL: Calibrate, troubleshooting, repair and operate microscopes, computer-linked analytical equipment, dedicated computers and other complex scientific equipment; instruct others in operation of equipment.
• OTHER: Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong research background in mouse vascular physiology/pathology or molecular biology or metabolic reprogramming using multiple experimental techniques including mouse surgery, primary cell culture, RNA analysis, performing mouse breeding and routine experiments such as cloning, western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry analyses.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software/databases or willingness to learn. Basic molecular cell biology techniques.

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to complete work and to meet deadlines.

Willingness and ability to work with research animals.

Ability to work independently with only general supervision.

Ability to perform a variety of complex biological, cytologic, microscopic, histologic, surgical, clinical, statistical/computational and dissection procedures.

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. Consider applying with us today!