Position Description The Greninger Lab has an outstanding opportunity for a 1.0 FTE Postdoctoral Scholar. Dr. Greninger oversees three laboratories, including clinical virology, virology clinical trials, and virology basic sciences, so the job can be fluid depending on the rigors at the time. This is an awesome and highly involved position desirous of an applicant with tremendous energy, combining wet-lab and dry-lab work in the area of emergent viruses. The work generally involves excellent molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, and informatics skills to take on a multitude of responsibilities associated with protecting humans from viral disease. This specific position will involve research involving viral discovery and construction of metagenomic next-generation sequencing libraries along with high content phage display for serological profiling and analysis of said libraries. Viral characterization work will involve work in viral replication, viral-host protein-protein interactions, drug efficacy, viral evolution, and viral genome sequencing. Responsibilities include constructing and teaching others on the generation of next-generation sequencing libraries, analyzing sequencing data, visualizing data and programming figures, drafting of manuscripts and grants for submission, combined with follow-on wet-lab experiments involving gene synthesis, pseudovirus neutralization and entry assays, and protein purification.
This full-time, 12-month position has immediate availability for an initial one-year appointment. The position will be renewable annually contingent on performance and available funding.
The base salary range for this position will be: $5,459 to $7,097 per month ($65,508 to $85,165 annually), per scale 0-5 years experience (to be approved).
General Duties :
Creation and optimization of metagenomic next-generation sequencing libraries for unbiased pathogen detection and viral genome recovery. Genome finishing of novel viruses, including optimization of high-throughput methods. Development of next-generation sequencing analysis pipelines for taxonomical analysis and viral genome visualization. Development of phage display serological profiling tools to investigate high-resolution interrogation of serological response, including creation of analysis tools. Perform high-level viral culture in novel culture models and reverse genetics work, analyze data compile results and draft reports for incoming research awards and contracts Supervise and analyze quantitative viral load determination using RT-qPCR, qPCR, ddPCR, including optimization of new assays Supervise performance of molecular procedures including but not limited to real-time PCR, Sanger sequencing, PCR product detection DNA sequencing and next generation sequencing; Perform work accurately, precisely and meet test completion deadlines; Maintain complete, accurate, legible, secure records. Thoroughly document any modifications using appropriate document and version control. Analyze experimental data and report to the Director and Lab Supervisor; determine what modifications and follow-up experiments are necessary to generate relevant data; Identify long and short-term goals; initiate research program/projects; Contribute technical knowledge when initiating new projects to determining feasibility of goals and objectives of the study; Contribute data and analyses for grant submissions; Perform preliminary experiments for assay development; Work with R, python, Geneious, Excel, and bash command line; Accommodate schedule changes to cooperatively accomplish required daily work, coordinate with Laboratory supervisor/manager; Collaborate with research team to create opportunities and ancillary research projects to enhance technical assay methodology or content through the expansion of existing or development of new projects; Review the scientific process of each research project, analyze issues, understand scientific procedures and statistical analysis; report data using graphs and charts; Provide ongoing feedback; identify development opportunities and actively solicit input on work methods; Prepare manuscripts for publication; Perform other duties as required. Conditions of Employment: Will be considered essential staff and as such will be required to report to work when scheduled despite inclement weather. Must be able to meet with all shifts on a regular basis. May work weekends and holidays. May be asked to work hours beyond normal open hours of the laboratory depending on staffing needs and current testing requirements. Sit at a desk or bench 30" to 37" high. Use a computer keyboard and mouse. Communicate by telephone and email. Work with bio hazardous specimens, including tissues and fluids, which may be infected with infectious particles, viruses and microorganisms. May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens through needle stick or biohazard spill. Work with and transport hazardous materials, such as solvents, acids and bases. Lift containers (weighing 40 pounds or less) of supplies, reports, and specimens. Wear protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks and goggles, when appropriate. Operate equipment such as a centrifuge, computer keyboard & printer, fume hood, biosafety cabinet, pipetting device, and syringe with needle. Safety/Response to Emergencies: Maintain awareness of safety procedures; implement safety rules and regulations in compliance with institution standards. Train staff in safety, and maintain safety as a priority within the department. Have and exercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions when dealing with bio-hazardous, radioactive, corrosive, explosive and/or flammable materials. Recognize potential safety hazards and take corrective action to resolve hazards or notify appropriate personnel. Participate in interdepartmental efforts to facilitate a safe environment for all staff and patients. Ensure staff knows location of safety information and supplies and are able to access information in response to queries or emergency situations. Ensure staff keeps abreast of safety procedures including fire plan, disaster drills, evacuation routes, etc. Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills. Policies and Procedures: Follows established policies, procedures and techniques at all times. Integrates new or revised procedures into the workplace. Perform other duties as required. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications Requirements: Education requirement, minimum: PhD in molecular biology, virology, genomics, or foreign equivalent
Additional Requirements: Prior mammalian cell culture experience. Prior first-author publications Prior coding experience with R, python, and/or UNIX. Able to program/code data visualization and figure generation. Previous experience with next-generation sequencing analysis and genomics Strong written and communication skills; Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot. Desired: Proficient at R, python, and/or bash. Experience with virus reverse genetics systems. Data analysis skills beyond basic statistical knowledge. Instructions Applicants should upload their CV, cover letter, diversity statement, and contact information for at least three references addressed to Alex Greninger, MD, PhD, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
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