Post-Doctoral Fellow

Synthetic Biology and Microbiology Postdoc Position in the Fouts Lab

The Fouts Lab at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Rockville, MD is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral candidate to develop novel synthetic biology strategies to optimize a bacteriophage therapeutic targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae towards future FDA IND submission and clinical trials. Due to the spread of antibiotic resistance, very few drugs remain that can treat antibiotic-resistant (AR) infections. Some of the objectives of this project include determining the factor(s) that limit phage host range, implementing modification(s) of the phage genome(s) to increase host range, and to engineer better bacterial host strains.

At JCVI, we have developed synthetic biology methods to construct and manipulate bacteriophage genomes to increase host range. We plan to leverage these resources to develop new and improved tools to combat AR bacterial infections. Outstanding Ph.D./M.D. candidates with microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, bacteriophage, biochemistry, animal model, and/or cell culture experience are encouraged to apply.

This position includes a full benefits package, including healthcare, paid vacation time, and a matching 401k contribution with competitive compensation.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting with conducting research in an area related to the goals of the Department. With guidance and consultation from the Department Head, designs and execute experiments and/or scientific software and analyze experimental results/data. As a member of a scientific team led by one or more Professors, Post-Doctoral Fellows are expected to help develop new scientific projects by assisting with the preparation of proposals that seek resources to support new or ongoing projects. Trains and supervises staff assigned to the Department. Publishes results of work in peer-reviewed journals. Attends and makes presentations at scientific meetings. Participates in JCVI laboratory meetings and serves on JCVI scientific working groups.

Essential Functions

• Assists with conducting research in defined areas related to the goals of the Institute.
• Designs and executes scientific experiments and/or scientific software; analyzes and interprets experimental results/data; reviews findings with Department Head.
• Train and mentor research associates and/or students and/or data specialists assigned to the Department.
• Develops and writes grant proposals.
• Publishes results of scientific work in peer-reviewed journals.
• Keeps current with knowledge in relevant scientific discipline through continued reading of the literature.
• Attends and participates in national and international scientific meetings.
• Participates in JCVI laboratory meetings and scientific working groups.
• Interacts with the Laboratory Director and Department Director on matters of mutual scientific interest.
• Works cooperatively with other staff when necessary to achieve JCVI research goals.
• Abides by environmental, health and safety policies and procedures. This includes reporting potential hazards and, when necessary, helping to implement solutions to ensure safety and respect for the environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out all functions required of Institute employees (i.e., completion of timesheets in an accurate and timely manner).

Prerequisites

• Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant scientific discipline such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Synthetic Biology is required. Hands-on laboratory experience preferably in an independent project preferred.
• Specific experience of value:
  • Virology, including experience producing virus stocks and assessing growth kinetics of DNA and RNA viruses (including bacteriophages) is preferred.
  • Bacterial co-culturing; including biofilm assays.
  • Molecular biology, including PCR, primer design, restriction enzyme cloning.
  • Biochemistry and/or proteomics, including isolation of novel compounds by HPLC or other chromatographic methods and identification by mass spectrophotometry.
  • Experience with standard bacteriophage assays (e.g., adsorption, 1-step growth curve, virulence index, burst size, Appelman's procedure)
• High level of discretion for confidential work and information; ability to appropriately handle critical information and sensitive situations.
• Ability to conduct investigations in relevant scientific areas.
• Must be able to formulate experimental hypotheses and analyze and interpret scientific data.
• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and/or spreadsheet software and/or data analysis and database software.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work as an effective team member.
• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.
• High level of initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Superior verbal and written communications skills.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers, light traffic)
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time while working in the lab.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work.
• Light to moderate lifting is required.

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.