Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ) and the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at Michigan State University invite applications from outstanding candidates for the position of Research Associate (postdoctoral researcher) in the laboratory of Dr. Michael H. Bachmann. 

The Bachmann Lab at IQ focuses on two biomedical issues of high public health significance: cancer immunology and antimicrobial resistance.  In the later project, the subject of this job announcement, we are investigating plant-derived compounds as alternative antibiotics.  According to the latest CDC report, ~35,000 Americans die from infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria.  We are therefore investigating complex plant compounds for their activity against gastrointestinal pathogens classified by the CDC as the biggest threats.  For in vitro screening and in vivo analysis, we are using bioluminescently labeled bacterial pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae, and bioluminescence imaging to assess bacterial survival and thus antibacterial efficacy.  Our preliminary data show strong antibacterial activity of several plant compounds and extracts.

The primary goal of the successful candidate will be to further characterize these compounds, determine the signaling and metabolic pathways they affect through RNAseq and mutant analysis, assess cytotoxicity to mammalian cells, and test the compounds in mouse models of infection.  Job duties will also include, but are not limited to, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the lab; collaborate in related secondary projects and collaborations with other IQ and MMG labs; and write papers and give presentation about the research conducted.  The successful candidate will have knowledge of bacteriology, molecular biology and genetics, human and mouse cell culture assays, and experimental animal studies.  Knowledge of GC-MS-based mass spectrometry, transcriptomics, and large data analysis (R, Python, HPCC) will be given special consideration.

The environment in the Bachmann Lab and in IQ is multidisciplinary and highly collaborative.  At the brand-new IQ, a core of leading scientists is working collaboratively across numerous biomedical disciplines to solve pressing problems including: microbiology and molecular genetics, developmental biology, stem cell biology, systems biology, synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, chemical biology, neuroengineering, molecular imaging, and biomedical devices.

MSU provides competitive salary and excellent benefits for this fixed term position.  The position will be funded for two years, with yearly renewal depending upon funding and performance.

Review of applications begins on immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate would need to start this position immediately

Required Degree

Doctorate -Microbiology, Molecular Genetics; Biomed

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree in Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology/Toxicology, or related Biomedical Sciences.
• Candidates must have demonstrated experience in bacteriology, and molecular biology and genetics.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Additionally, a background or previous experience in pharmacology/toxicology, animal models of bacterial infectious disease, transcriptomics, GC-MS-based mass spectrometry, biostatistics and computer programming (R, Python) will be beneficial.
• The ideal candidate will be a motivated and creative individual with a commitment to academic research who can work independently as well as in team-based projects.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of three references.

Special Instructions

For more information, please see:

IQ homepage: https://iq.msu.edu/  

Dr. Bachmann's IQ website: https://iq.msu.edu/michael-bachmann/  

Dr. Bachmann's MMG website: http://tinyurl.com/Michael-Bachmann-MSU

and Dr. Bachmann's publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/10cLmMkZmny/bibliography/public/

Review of Applications Begins On

01/30/2020

Summary of Physical Demands

-Placing lab consumables onto shelves.

-Picking up shipments (room temp, dry ice) at loading dock and carrying them to lab.

-Carting experimental animals between animal holding room and IQ imaging suite.

Summary of Health Risks

-Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.

-Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

-Risks that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as exposure to pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholera).

Website

https://iq.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.