Wayne State University Jobs

Postdoctoral Fellow - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedPostdoctoral Fellow - Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciencesat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of the Postdoctoral Scholar/Fellow positions is to provide individuals, who have recently (within the past 6 years) completed a doctoral degree, with a full-time program of advanced academic preparation and research training under the guidance of a supervising Faculty Mentor. Postdoctoral appointments are temporary by nature and are designed to develop the Postdoctoral Scholar/Fellow as an independent scientist and to enhance their professional skills. Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows are considered to be in training for future faculty teaching/ research positions or for a position suited to their desired career outcomes and recognized for their dual status as trainees and employees.

Postdoctoral Scholars/Fellows provide leadership in the design and management of research programs. They additionally assist their Faculty Mentor(s) in designing protocols as well as training and/or supervising technical research staff to complete research projects. With the assistance of the Faculty Mentor, postdoctoral scholars/fellows write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grants. They conduct independent research that is expected to result in scholarly publications and presentations for research funding at scientific meetings.

The postdoctoral scholars/fellows complete technical laboratory and/or field experimental procedures. They conduct independent research with grant funding they were responsible for obtaining. Postdoctoral scholars /fellows, with permission and supervision of their mentor(s), may also be involved with the training of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory, which is another key aspect towards their preparation for future academic and non-academic positions.

The title of Postdoctoral Fellow applies to scholars who receive financial support in the form of a fellowship or stipend, usually from an outside agency, either directly or distributed through WSU on behalf of the sponsor. Typically, fellows are responsible for applying for a fellowship award.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Based on the year of the scholar/fellow, this distribution will change. Earlier in their career they will directly conduct research, whereas later, as they become ready to apply for other positions or transition away from postdoc status, they focus on papers, grants etc. The functions listed in the table below are suggestions and would be best categorized and assigned by the mentor/sponsor, in close collaboration with their postdoc, as they consider and complete the Individual Development plan that each postdoc at WSU is expected to complete and revise each year.

Perform scientific techniques or research protocols. Assist the Principal Investigator in designing and performing protocols. Design and perform experiments. Collect and log research data. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist other lab members with experiments as required. May mentor research assistants and students.

With the assistance of the mentor, find and write research grants with the goal of obtaining additional research grant funding. Responsibilities may also include coordinating correspondence with applicants and grantees, acknowledging receipts of proposals, and maintaining a system to track proposals.

Evaluate and perform preliminary analysis of the data using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated.

Prepare and present presentations regarding research project results for professional, scientific and academic conferences. Summarize and organize data results for submittal to academic and scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. Write scientific manuscripts and other documents for publication. Fact-check, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.

Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Unique duties:

The successful applicant will carry out independently the experiments involving cellular and molecular aspects of immunity and immunopathogenesis to herpes simplex virus infection. Participate in local, national, and international research meetings and present their research in the form of posters/oral presentation.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Doctorate degree

Requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning, predominantly intellectual in character.

This knowledge is acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.

Experience: Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience)

Job related experience can include doctorate training. Experience performing basic research techniques,

preferred. Must have distinguished themselves in research. Prior recipient of funding for research based on individual achievements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently. Ability to secure grants and funding for research. Ability to collect, analyze, summarize and interpret research findings in reports and communicate results to the field. Knowledge of and experience with current scientific integrity principles. Excellent time management and organization skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Previous experience in mouse handling is preferred. Technical expertise in electron microscopy, imaging, real-time PCR, and Western blotting are required. The applicant should have publications in peer-reviewed journals and have presented his/her research work in National/International meetings. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to work both in a team environment and independently. Freshly graduated students are preferred.

School/College/Division:

H06 - School of Medicine

Primary department:

H0621 - Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Full Time

• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Salary minimum:

• Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions:

Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.