Staff Scientist

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to lead innovative research focused on understanding the pathogenesis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) using advanced human airway organoid and immune cell co-culture systems. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge translational research within a collaborative and dynamic academic environment. The successful candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, or a closely related biomedical science discipline, along with 3 to 4 years of postdoctoral fellowship experience. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in respiratory virus research, particularly RSV or related viral pathogens, as well as hands-on experience with human airway organoids, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics-based data analysis. The Staff Scientist will independently design and execute experiments, analyze and interpret complex datasets, and provide scientific leadership for a project focused on developing and optimizing a co-culture platform integrating human immune cells and human airway organoids. This platform will be used to investigate host-pathogen interactions and immune responses during RSV infection.

Job Duties

Under the general direction of the Principal Investigator:

• Plans, directs and conducts research experiments.
• Evaluates and analyzes data.
• Develops research techniques and performs applications required for specific research projects.
• May conduct literature searches and summarize information in an appropriate format for a particular study.
• Documents results of experiments and reports to principal investigators.
• May supervise, schedule and coordinate the activities of less experienced research staff.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

The candidate will be responsible to lead a research project on the development of a co-culture platform of human immune cells and human airway organoids to study respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pathogenesis. The relationship between the host, the immune response and the respiratory virus infection will be explored using advance technical and analytical tools. It is expected that the candidate will be technically skilled in human airway organoid research, flow cytometry, immunology, virology, and bioinformatics. The candidate will also interact with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the laboratory and will provide scientific input into other ongoing research projects. The candidate will work closely with the PI and co-PI and meet at least weekly to discuss the trajectory of the research project. It is expected that the candidate will present and participate weekly in the internal lab meeting, bi-weekly in the research think tank, and present annually at an national or international conference highlighting the research project. The candidate will also be responsible for writing abstracts and manuscripts for publication and assisting the PI and co-PI in grant submissions for funding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.