Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Associate III for the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics within the New Jersey Medical School. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Postdoctoral Fellow will investigate the cell biology underlying interactions between macrophages and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The major focus will be understanding how post-translational modifications of host proteins impact the initiation, progression, and resolution of key innate immune pathways like cytosolic DNA sensing and selective autophagy. In addition, proteomics approaches and genetic screens will be employed to identify novel players in these pathways, including host proteins and bacterial factors. Validation of both previously identified and newly discovered factors will be performed using a combination of M. tuberculosis genetics (knockout and complemented strains, transposon screens, etc.), macrophage genetics (CRISPR knockout macrophages, epitope-tagged expression lines, mammalian CRISPR screens, etc.), biochemistry (immunoprecipitations, mass spectrometry, ubiquitination/phosphorylation assays, etc.), molecular biology (RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, etc.), cell biology (immunofluorescence, protein studies/western blots, etc.), and mouse infection models. The work from these studies will deepen our understanding of the molecular interface between the host macrophage and intracellular M. tuberculosis, promoting the development of more effective therapies to treat TB.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
Characterize the ex vivo response to M. tuberculosis in macrophages.
Characterize the in vivo response to M. tuberculosis in a low dose aerosol mouse model of infection.
Design, optimize, perform, and analyze M. tuberculosis transposon screens.
Generate M. tuberculosis knockouts, complements, and other strains necessary for experiments.
Design, optimize, perform, and analyze CRISPR screens in primary macrophages and macrophage cell lines.
Generate CRISPR knockouts of one or more genes in macrophages.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Doctoral Degree in microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or a related relevant science.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
This position involves prolonged standing, walking and sitting, as well as use of laboratory equipment.
Must perform complex procedures and demonstrate manual dexterity.
Some stooping, reaching, climbing and bending. Occasional lifting of 20 pounds to a height of 6½ feet.
Special Conditions:
Must be available to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays when necessary to meet deadlines.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university and the state's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Rutgers is dedicated to teaching that meets the highest standards of excellence; to conducting research that breaks new ground; and to turning knowledge into solutions for local, national, and global communities. As it was at our founding in 1766, the heart of our mission is preparing students to become productive members of society and good citizens of the world. Rutgers teaches across the full educational spectrum: preschool to precollege; undergraduate to graduate and postdoctoral; and continuing education for professional and personal advancement. Rutgers is New Jersey's land-grant institution and one of the nation's foremost research universities, and as such, we educate, make discoveries, serve as an engine of economic growth, and generate ideas for improving people's lives.
