"Postdoctoral Research Scholar"

Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Biology

Type:
Full-Time

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Position Number: 00111796

Essential Job Duties:
The research project will be part of a team focused on developing recombinant infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV)-based vaccines using a CRISPR/Cas9 approach, as well as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) vaccines using a reverse genetics system.

In addition, the project aims to establish reverse genetics-based infectious clones for other poultry viruses to support vaccine design and the development of effective vaccination strategies.

The work will also involve evaluating in vivo vaccine protection and efficacy mechanisms, including animal inoculation, sample collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Molecular virology tools: Design, plan, and execute research experiments focused on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of DNA viruses and the use of reverse genetics systems to edit RNA viruses, including knockout of viral genes and subsequent evaluation of virus-host interactions. Apply advanced recombinant techniques to study and edit viral genomes.
• Quantification of viral titers, infectivity, and neutralization titers: Design and develop viral titration and infectivity protocols, and develop neutralization assays and other serum-based fluorescent assays.
• Vaccine protection studies: Evaluate the vaccine protection and/or efficacy of vectored and attenuated vaccines.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting: Perform statistical analyses of experimental data, interpret findings, and contribute to manuscript preparation, presentations, and research reports. Maintain detailed research records, datasets, and methodological documentation in accordance with project, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
• Bioinformatics and transcriptomics: Perform bioinformatics analyses, including RNA-seq data processing and interpretation.
• Team collaboration and training: Work closely with team members and contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate students.

Departmental Required Skills:
N/A

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

• Experience working with gene editing molecular virology tools such as the reverse genetics system and the CRISPR/Cas9 system, with strong hands-on expertise in molecular cloning strategies.
• Proficiency in applying fluorescent microscopy methodologies to study virus-host interactions.
• Experience using advanced DNA and RNA sequencing approaches to characterize circulating viral strains and analyze differential gene expression.
• Experience working with poultry research facilities, including isolators and/or floor-pen systems.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.

Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
N/A

Department: 196001 - Department of Population Health and Pathobiology

Location: Raleigh, NC

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