Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Researcher for Dr. Sharma - Heritage College of Osteopathic MedicineThe Postdoctoral Researcher in Dr. Sharma's laboratory leads research projects investigating the resilience mechanisms of senescent cells with aging and age-related diseases, including the decline of immune surveillance of senescent cells. This includes performing wet-lab experiments, recording and analyzing data, assisting with grant and manuscript preparation, and helping mentor graduate and undergraduate students. This position will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on projects with high potential for senior/first-author research publications and for presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension.Plan and conduct original wet-lab research projects investigating cellular senescence, immune surveillance mechanisms, and age-related disease models. Execute advanced experimental techniques, including primary cell culture, molecular biology assays, flow cytometry, and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) data analysis. Oversee in vivo animal studies, including the treatment, monitoring, and husbandry of aged and disease-specific murine models (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), administration of therapeutic/drug interventions, behavioral testing, tissue harvesting, histology, and micro-dissection. Maintain rigorous, meticulous records of experimental procedures and data, and perform statistical analyses to support scientific publications and research deliverables.Prepare manuscripts for publication at the direction of the PI. Assist with literature reviews and grant applications. Present research findings at departmental meetings and national and international scientific conferences. Work collaboratively with other research staff and faculty, and actively mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques and laboratory protocols. Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative research team.Position Profile - Working under the guidance of a faculty member or principal investigator, conducts advanced, independent and collaborative research, contributes to research design, execution, analysis, and publication, and builds specialized expertise in field of study. Serves as a leader on research projects and mentors students. Presents at conferences and seminars, prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, and contributes to grant proposals as required.Level Summary - Provides professional expertise to the University community. Serves as a resource and guide to others in the department and/or university. Works on both strategic and operational challenges, addressing problems that require advanced knowledge and experience. Often takes on leadership roles in projects or initiatives.Supervisory Responsibilities - None; may assist with training student employees.Fiscal Responsibilities - No budgetary responsibility. May be responsible for validating transactions.Problem Solving - Handles a variety of problems with some independence.Independence of Action - Works under close supervision.Communication and Collaboration - Collaborates with peers and follows guidance from supervisor. Shares knowledge with team members.Physical Requirements - This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.Minimum Qualifications - Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.Preferred Qualifications - Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, Geroscience, or related field. (ABDcandidates considered; degree must be conferred within 6 months of hire).3-5 years of substantial bench research experience in biological sciences.Expertise in senescence biology, geroscience, or cellular aging mechanisms.Proven experience with primary cell culture and core molecular biology techniques.Strong technical expertise in flow cytometry.Prior experience performingRNA-seq data analysis and transcriptomic interpretation.Experience with aged mouse models or disease models (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mouse models), drug interventions, behavioral assays, tissue harvesting, processing, and histology.Demonstrated self-motivation, adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative team orientation.