Post Doctoral Research Fellow- IL- Biomedical Sciences

Summary

The Martinez-Guryn Lab in the Biomedical Sciences Program at Midwestern University (Downers Grove) invites applicants for an NIH-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship, specializing in microbiology and in vitro 3D organoid modeling.

The anticipated start date of the appointment is August 1, 2024. The appointment is anticipated for up to four years maximum, renewable annually. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to NIH-funded research investigating the impact of fecal vs small bowel microbiota transplants on metabolism and nutrient transport in 3D cultures of small intestinal and colonic organoids. The project is part of an ongoing collaboration between Midwestern University (Martinez-Guryn Lab) and the University of Chicago (Eugene Chang Lab).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and develop a research project that supports the mission of the college.
• Support faculty in delivering lectures and course development and delivery (20% teaching in years 1-3)
• Support the department, college, and university through service such as serving on Biomedical Sciences Master’s thesis committees (10% service in years 1-3)
• Participate in planning and designing of experiments followed by conducting experiments in the research project. Perform analysis of the data generated and prepare presentation of the data for publications and grants.
• Write manuscripts and grants on the above project.
• Guide and assist students, associates, and faculty in research activity.
• Assist in maintenance of research laboratory. Implement laboratory safety protocols and animal care protocols and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required by the college to promote research.
• Supervise research activities and provide guidance to research assistants, technicians and associates working in the laboratory. Improve scientific knowledge of the staff so that they are clear with the objectives and goals of research programs.

Specific to the research requirements, the project will include conditioned media and small molecule preparations from small bowel and fecal contents for testing in vitro using murine and human small and large intestinal 3D organoids. Metabolic activity will be assessed using the Agilent Seahorse XFe24 system and may also involve nutrient transport experiments and RNA sequencing. The postdoctoral fellow will be involved in data collection, analysis, presentation and publication of results, and student mentoring.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular in-person attendance Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience Ph.D., or evidence of completion by the start date is required. Application documents must include a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information for two references. The ideal candidate will have expertise in either microbiology and/or in vitro organoid modeling, computational skills for analyzing sequencing data sets (16S rRNA sequencing or RNAseq) as well as willingness to work with laboratory animals (handling, collecting blood and stool and monitoring of body weight and food intake) and radioisotope-labeled compounds are preferred. Ability to maintain accurate and detailed record of experiments are requirements.

Computer Skills                                               

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and software related to scientific literature, statistical analysis such as GraphPad Prism and graphics.

Other Skills and Ability

Applicants must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; must be highly motivated, productive team players with the ability to adapt to new projects and to work on multiple projects.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit, climb or balance; talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This position is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To apply, please visit midwestern.edu/faculty-and-staff/employment. For primary consideration, applications should be submitted by June 15, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter.

Information on Midwestern University and its graduate programs is available at www.midwestern.edu. Inquires about the position should be directed to Dr. Kristina Martinez-Guryn at kmarti2@midwestern.edu.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.  

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, including 41 C.F.R. 60-1.4(a), 250.5(a), 300.5(a) and 741.5(a). Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.