Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Fellow
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	NJMS-Microbiology
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. Rutgers RBHS is an anchor institution that boasts locations in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow for the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics within the New Jersey Medical School. Under the direction of the Dr.Nikhat Parveen, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have a Ph.D. or less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience preferably in the bacterial pathogenesis, bacterial genetics and physiology, or immunology. The projects involve study of the molecular basis of Lyme disease/syphilis and tick borne coinfections. Lyme disease is the most prevalent arthropod-borne, multisystemic illness in the USA. It affects skin, joints, heart and nervous system while tick-borne parasite, Babesia microti causes anemia and splenomegaly. Interestingly, C3H mice provide a very good animal model to study manifestations of Lyme disease as well as babesiosis. This has allowed us to investigate the impact of coinfections with these pathogens in this susceptible mouse model. Syphilis is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted disease all over the world. Syphilis-causing spirochete, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum has several similarities with Lyme spirochetes; however, it cannot be grown in vitro easily. The new postdoctoral fellow will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects of Dr. Parveen funded by NIH. Our department is located in a newer building, International Center for Public Health with excellent core facilities. The presence of Public Health Research Institute in the same building allows students and post-doctoral fellows to interact with some well-known experts in the field of microbial pathogenesis. The position is available for two years and is extendable depending on additional funds availability. Decision to renew the contract will be made annually based upon candidate’s overall performance in the lab. Furthermore, postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to obtain independent fellowships after initial training. The candidates are usually advised and helped in the application process of the fellows by the Principal Investigator/Project leader. Suitable applicants from the USA will be invited to present his/her work in the department. Salary rates and benefits will be according to the NIH guidelines. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter providing overall background, CV, and a list of at least three references by email to: Parveeni@njms.rutgers.edu Among the key duties of this position are the following; Assesses contribution of the spirochete ligands in attachment to mammalian host cells in vitro, identifies the cognate host receptor and studies the role of this interaction in tissue tropism during murine model of infection; and evaluates immunological responses to host-induced bacterial molecules and their effects on manifestation of the disease in the mouse model. Investigates B. burgdorferi and B. burgdorferi-B. microti pathogenesis. Participates and presents in journal clubs, seminars and conferences. Keeps abreast with the current scientific and technical literature relevant to the laboratory’s mission.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	99S
Position Salary	$54,840-$57,852 depends on years of experience
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	The candidate should have a Ph.D., peer-reviewed publications, and ability to work independently.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications	Experience in spirochetes and animal-handling expertise.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	23ST2293
Posting Open Date	08/24/2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Newark (RBHS)
City	Newark
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 vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. 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