Discover Your Career at Emory University

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

ENVIRONMENT:

The Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research (CF-AIR) – a joint entity within Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) – is currently seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow to join the laboratory of Kathryn E. Oliver, PhD. Dr. Oliver is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Emory University School of Medicine, and her appointment includes affiliation with CF-AIR and the CHOA Pediatric Institute. She is presently funded by the National Institutes of Health and strong institutional support.

Dr. Oliver’s research program broadly investigates ways in which ribosome function and mRNA surveillance impact aberrant protein synthesis in the context of inherited conditions such as CF. Current studies address feasibility of ribosomal suppression as a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming refractory defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) – with particular emphasis on premature termination codons and other rare variants. This includes mechanistic evaluation of global and transcript-specific effects on ribosome fidelity and speed, in addition to biochemical assessments of CFTR protein biogenesis and activity. Research projects are highly innovative and translational, incorporating use of patient- and murine-derived materials. Activities routinely performed in the laboratory include:

• Processing clinical specimens (e.g. respiratory epithelia, blood) from CF and non-CF donors, as well as a variety of tissues from C57BL/6 mice.
• Performing light/fluorescent microscopy, cell culture, drug delivery, and nucleotide transfection.
• Conducting molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation and purification; PCR amplification; qRT-PCR; gel electrophoresis; and preparation of sequencing libraries.
• Executing biochemical protocols including but not limited to cell viability assays; protein quantification and visualization (e.g. western blot, protein half-life, immunoprecipitation); cell surface biotinylation; mRNA stability assays; sucrose gradient fractionation; ribosome run-off assays; and electrophysiology (short-circuit current analyses).

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The ideal candidate should be a motivated, detail-oriented, dependable self-starter with a positive attitude and passion for research. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with other members of the laboratory and department/center. The new hire will work to ensure the highest levels of responsible conduct in research and quality laboratory support, in addition to strong communication with Dr. Oliver, co-workers, administrative staff, department/center leadership, and other research support services. Specific responsibilities will largely encompass the following:

• Receive advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence required for pursuit of a non-academic or academic career in science.
• Design/conduct experiments and analyze subsequent data using appropriate software and statistics.
• Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts.
• Assist with generating figures and/or sections of text for grant proposals.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Develop new ideas that promote current scientific endeavors.
• Teach techniques to laboratory staff.
• Provide supervision to other trainees as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., etc) in a biomedical or biological science field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a background in molecular and/or computational biology, preferably related to methods such as ribosome profiling and RNA-seq analysis.
• Familiar with GraphPad Prism, R, Microsoft Office, and Office 365 applications.
• Eager to broaden scientific knowledge and develop new technical skills.
• Embrace working with individuals from diverse backgrounds (e.g. gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, physical ability, socioeconomic status, geographic origin, etc).
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving competencies.
• Ability to perform tasks effectively, collegially, professionally, and with utmost integrity.
• Work independently and/or on a team as appropriate in a fast-paced environment.

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:

In addition to completing the application through Emory Careers (Job #87286), candidates should prepare the following documents:

• 1-page cover letter describing personal interests, research/career goals, etc;
• Curriculum vitae; and
• Contact information for three references (name, title, institution, email, phone). Please indicate current and/or previous mentor(s) if applicable.

Materials should be assembled into a single PDF and sent directly to Dr. Oliver (kolive3@emory.edu). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job opening is filled.

Please note that the Post-Doctoral Fellow position represents a temporary appointment as a research trainee in the Emory University School of Medicine. Initial appointment is for one year, with annual renewal fully expected given satisfactory progress and availability of funds. Appointments may not exceed five years. Salary is commensurate with level of experience as established by the NIH (see NOT-OD-21-049). Please visit the Emory Office of Post-Doctoral Education for additional information regarding benefits such as health insurance, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement contributions, etc.

Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.