Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Number: PDS-MCBI-02-26

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Anticipated Recruitment Range: $62,232

Position Type: Postdoctoral Scholars

Job Category: Postdoctoral Scholars

Organizational Unit Overview:

Job Duties:

The postdoctoral scholar will lead independent and collaborative research focused on the biology of spirochetes. Using Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira species as model organisms, the researcher will investigate the structure-function relationships of periplasmic flagella, mechanisms of gene regulation, the cyclic-di-GMP signaling pathway, and factors contributing to bacterial virulence (https://microbiology-immunology.ecu.edu/md-motaleb/).

Duties include: hypothesis and protocol development, literature review, collection of pilot data, report writing, supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, and new laboratory staff, review of data for quality control, supervision of data entry/data analysis, analysis of research hypothesis using descriptive and multivariate statistics, and the development of independent and collaborative presentations and publications.

Scholars are expected to demonstrate compliance with established guidelines and regulatory standards for research, including biosafety, responsible conduct of research, and human subjects training.

Approximately 90% of the postdoctoral scholars time will be devoted to research.

Approximately 10% of the postdoctoral scholars time will be devoted to managing the day-to-day activities of undergraduate and graduate research students in the laboratory.

Minimum Education/Experience:

PhD (or equivalent), English Proficiency, Excellent written and oral communication skills

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

None

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

PhD (or equivalent) degree in microbial genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or a related field. Experience working with animals is desired but not required.

Special Instructions to Applicant:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach their CV or resume, cover letter, and names and contact information of 3 references. Appointments are typically for a one-year period. Five years (typically five appointments of one year) is typically the maximum total period that any individual may serve as a Scholar.

The University, in its sole discretion, has the option to renew or extend any appointment, subject to the availability of funds, past performance evaluations, and/or any other lawful reasons. For other information on the ECU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, please visit our website at: https://rede.ecu.edu/postdoctoral/

Additional Instructions to Applicant:

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Job Close Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Initial Screening Begins: 03/11/2026