Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) within Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS). The primary purpose of the Postdoctoral Associate is to conduct mentored research on the role of the microbiome in lung disease and on the relationships among HIV, aging, and pulmonary health. Projects will investigate how microbial communities, host immune responses, and chronic inflammation relate to lung function and disease progression. Working with the Principal Investigator and collaborating investigators, the Postdoctoral Associate will design studies, perform experiments and/or computational analyses, interpret findings, and disseminate results while developing an independent research direction.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Develop and conduct mentored research on the oral and lung microbiome and lung disease, and on the effects of HIV and aging on pulmonary health.
• Formulate hypotheses, review relevant literature, and design studies with the Principal Investigator.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and/or computational analyses appropriate to assigned projects.
• Analyze and interpret microbiome, molecular, and clinical data, including lung function and longitudinal outcomes.
• Carry out informatic analyses of metagenomic, transcriptomic, and metatranscriptomic data, with the goal of defining populations, individual taxa, genes, pathways and transcripts human samples as well as host transcriptional responses.
• Coordinate with investigators, clinical research staff, and core facilities on biospecimen processing, assay performance, and integration of research data.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, figures, and presentations; present findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications and develop fellowship proposals and an individual career development plan with the mentor.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues and help train students and other research personnel in relevant methods.
• Complete required training and follow approved protocols for human subjects research, biosafety, data security, and responsible conduct of research.

FLSA - Exempt

Salary Details - A minimum of $63,968 for calendar year appointments

Benefits - Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs

Position Status - Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours - 37.50

Daily Work Shift - Day

Work Arrangement - This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description - Post Docs - Regular Salaried

Payroll Designation - PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment - Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility - ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience - PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field by the start date. Candidates who meet requirements with All But Degree (ABD) will be considered but must hold the degree by the start date.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Demonstrated research experience relevant to the position, with a strong foundation in experimental design and quantitative analysis. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintain accurate records, interpret scientific literature, and communicate findings clearly in writing and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience in microbiome research, pulmonary disease, HIV, aging, or host–microbe interactions. Expertise in one or more of the following: microbial sequencing and bioinformatics; R or Python; analysis of longitudinal clinical data; molecular or cellular assays; or analysis of human biospecimens. Experience preparing scientific manuscripts is desirable. Candidates may bring complementary experimental or computational expertise; proficiency in every listed method is not expected.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment - PHYSICALDEMANDS: Work involves computer use and laboratory bench work, standing or sitting for extended periods, and handling research materials and laboratory equipment. Ability to perform assigned tasks safely, with reasonable accommodations as needed. WORKENVIRONMENT: Academic research laboratory and office/computational settings. Assigned projects may involve human biospecimens, biological materials, and laboratory chemicals. Required training, personal protective equipment, institutional biosafety practices, and approved procedures must be followed. Collaboration with clinical research teams and core facilities is expected.

Special Conditions