Research Scholar (Post-Doctoral Research)

The Research Scholar (Post-Doctoral Fellowship) position will take a leading role in the investigation of the immune mechanisms involved in susceptibility of patients with COPD to develop respiratory exacerbations.

This clinical/translational research laboratory under the direction of Mehrdad Arjomandi, M.D. in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care is part of a multidisciplinary group at the San Francisco VA Medical Center with special focus on role of human macrophages and T-cells in respiratory diseases.

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative individual at the post-doctoral level, preferably with previous post-doctoral experience, to take a unique opportunity to lead the basic science aspect of an ongoing clinical/translational research project with direct human relevance.

Essential Functions:

• Design and perform cell-culture based assays such as phagocytosis, efferocytosis, migration, adhesion, and wound-healing (scratch) tests
• Design and perform protocols using flow cytometry based assays.
• Produce written reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results; draft manuscripts of results for publication
• Perform other molecular and cellular biological assays including:

1. Cell-based functional assays
2. Microscopy
3. Immunoblotting (western)
4. ELISA
5. RNA and DNA purification
6. PCR

• Process, store, and perform lab-based assays on human biological samples.
• Present oral and poster reports at monthly laboratory meetings, as well as national meetings
• Assist with training of research methods and approaches to laboratory group
• Assist with composition of grant applications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Immunology or related science equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise with design and performance of flow cytometry based assays
• Expertise in flow cytometry software such as FlowJo.
• Significant experience with primary cell cultures, specifically airway cells; experience with cell culture techniques including sterile techniques, maintenance of cell lines, freezing and thawing of samples
• Experience with cell assays including migration, adhesion, and scratch assay
• The following essential personal characteristics:

1. Detail-oriented and careful attention to detail; maintain a detailed laboratory notebook of experiments done on a daily basis
2. Ability to provide scientific troubleshooting of protocols and procedures
3. Adequate command of English language to be able to write scientific reports
4. Excellent organizational skills
5. Ability to meet deadlines
6. Demonstrate solid interpersonal skills
7. Experience with fluorescence microscopy
8. Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as western blots, PCR, ELISA

The base salary range for this position is $66,560.00 - $79,639.96 per year. The base salary actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States.  If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply

Salary : $66,560 - $79,640