Job Summary:

Responsible for assigned activities in the research laboratory under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator or the designee of P.I.  Duties include performing experiments in the area of cell and molecular biology, molecular virology, and immunology relating to T cells gene editing, HIV gene therapy and/or phage therapy for multi drug-resistant Mtb treatments. The postdoctoral research associate should have experience in the handling of small animals. Documentation of experimental data in timely fashion, and inventory and ordering of laboratory supplies are required.  Other related duties as assigned.

Major Responsibilities / Duties / Critical Tasks:

·         Developing lentivirus-based, nanoparticle-based and/or protein-based methods for T cell-targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas9

• Chracterizing the delivery efficiency and gene editing efficacy by various assays, such as flow cytometry, CEL I assay, etc.
• HIV gene therapy: apply gene editing materials in vivo in humanized mouse model.
• Phage therapy: phage propagation and modification, and testing in different mouse models.
• General laboratory support duties—Maintenance of cell cultures, Isolation of RNA, polymerase chain reactions, preparation of DNAs including plasmid DNA, cell transfections, primary T cell electroporations, enzyme assays, protein production, lentivirus generation, etc.
• Formulatiing nanoparticles for gene delivery.
• Generating humanized mice, and conducting experiments by using these humanized mice, such as bleeding the animals, tail-vein injection, etc.
• Ordering and maintaining supplies, equipment maintenance, and general upkeep of the laboratory.
• Conducting or assisting in experiments related to other ongoing research projects under PI’s supervision.

Accompanying Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

This position requires the ability to follow directions, maintain confidentiality, trustworthiness, orderliness, accuracy, punctual attendance during stated hours of work and the ability to interact with co-workers, customers and visitors in a professional manner.

Required Education / Experience:

Postdoctoral Research Associate position requires a Ph.D. This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is immediately available to develop a method for in vivo T cell-targeted gene editing for HIV gene  therapy, and/or develop phage therapy as a potential cure for multi-drug resistant Mtb infection. Applicants must have a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, molecular microbiology/virology, as well as immunology. The expertise/experiences required for this position include: Extensive CRISPR-Cas9 or other gene editing expertise, Lentivirus generation expertise, Extensively using flow cytometry, Experiences in working on HIV or other viruses, as well as experience in small animal model (e.g., tail-vein injection and retro-orbital bleeding techniques). Experience in nanoparticle formulation is highly appreciated. Experience working on generating humanized mouse models is preferred but not required.

Preference will be given to candidates who completed a doctoral degree within the past 5 years, but senior researchers are also welcome to apply for this position.