Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Fellow
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research Support (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ-Medicine-Infectious Diseases
Overview	New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in the department of Medicine – Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. A position is open for a Postdoctoral Fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Rutgers Global Health Institute in the laboratory of Bobby Brooke Herrera (bbherreralab.com). The Herrera lab specifically focuses on characterizing the mammalian antibody and T cell response against infectious viruses (e.g., blood-borne, mosquito-borne, and/or respiratory viruses) after natural infection and vaccination. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals that are curious about the immune system and want to dive deeply into understanding how effective immune responses can be leveraged to develop infectious disease prevention strategies such as vaccines and diagnostics. Postdoc will perform experiments to identify and profile immune signatures associated with protective immunity versus immunopathology, with the goal to use these data to inform vaccine/diagnostic development. In this role, we hope to teach and train the Postdoc to lead scientific investigative efforts and to ensure that the Postdoc grows to become a critical thought leader in the fields of Infectious Disease Immunology, Vaccinology, Public Health. Interested applicants please submit the following in a single attachment: - A cover letter relating how your talents fulfill the criteria for this position - Your Resume/CV - A minimum of two references (three preferred) Among the key duties of this position are the following: Design, perform, and analyze experiments to profile mammalian antibody and T cell responses during viral infection and vaccination. Experience in BSL2+ procedures and operations is highly preferred, although not required. Perform immunology/virology-based experiments including primary cell culture, FluoroSPOT, flow cytometry, cell sorting, ELISA, cytokine profiling, virus isolation, PRNT, lentiviral vector design, etc. Perform cellular/molecular biology-based experiments including protein expression and purification, protein quantification, molecular cloning, fluorescence and immunohistochemistry microscopy, etc. Utilize animal models (e.g., rodents) of viral infection and subsequent isolation of immune cells followed by immunology-based experiments. Animal experience is preferred, although not required. Facilitate the PI in the acquisition of funding for the laboratory through the application of research grants, presentation of findings at scientific conferences, and communication of work through peer-reviewed publications. Assist in the instruction and training of students (undergraduate and graduate) and research assistant sin laboratory techniques and procedures to carry out research assignments. Keep clear and detailed records of procedures and experiments in accordance with laboratory guidelines, maintain data in shared and readily accessible locations, and present data to the PI and other lab members. Work collaboratively and independently with laboratories and researchers at Rutgers and international collaborators. Attend and actively participate in both weekly and monthly group research meetings.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	99S
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary
Annual Mid Range Salary
Annual Maximum Salary
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Non-Union
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Rutgers also offers a benefit program to eligible full-time postdoctoral fellow students. For details, please go to https://finance.rutgers.edu/healthcare-risk/insurance/postdoctoral-health-insurance.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	None

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Candidate must hold a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in biological sciences, immunology, virology, biomedical engineering, or other biomedical discipline. Candidates in ABD (all but degree) state will also be considered.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be able to work with human samples (e.g., blood) and rodents. Must have effective oral and written communication skills. Must be computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office. Must be highly motivated, self-driven, creative, and interactive. Must have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications	Demonstrated interest in immunology or vaccinology.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be able to perform laboratory research. Must be able to work with human samples (e.g., blood) and rodents. Some lifting may be required: laboratory items and/or boxes. Walking, standing, sitting is required. WORK ENVIRONMENT Must pass employee health clearance, TB test and required safety and animal training. Must follow all safety precautions in laboratory, as required.
Special Conditions	This is a grant funded position. Renewal of the position is dependent upon future funding.

Posting Details

Posting Number	22ST3997
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Downtown New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement