Biocontainment Laboratory Operations Postdoctoral Researcher

The Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research (LIDR) currently has a postdoc opening for a highly motivated infectious disease/microbiologist. The focus of this position will be development of job skills related to biocontainment/biosafety operations in BSL-3 laboratories with an emphasis on the conduct of novel research. The successful candidate will work closely with the Biosafety Officer at the LIDR and will contribute to a variety of activities in biocontainment laboratory operations and biosafety including 1) the investigation into emerging biosafety practices for microbiological research applications, 2) the design of novel experiments to address biosafety knowledge gaps, and 3) the development of new knowledge and or technologies for use in biocontainment facility laboratory operations.

Relevant Skills and Experience:

• This position requires the successful candidate to be an adept, hands-on biocontainment laboratory specialist with experience in microbiology, analytical methodologies, animal models or related high-containment laboratory operations, preferably with experience in biocontainment level-3 (BSL-3) research operations.
• Fundamental understanding of microorganisms' biology, routes of infection, risks and interest in development of risk-mitigation strategies.
• The ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment that embraces change, risk, and flexibility is needed.
• This individual must be capable of handling multiple projects/tasks at the same time.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team with a sense of urgency for timelines is needed.
• The successful candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A passion and enthusiasm for innovation.
• Proven problem-solving skills and good interpersonal relationship and people skills will be needed.

Essential duties:

• Design and carry out independent research focused on improved biosafety practices which could include: 1) the investigation into emerging biocontainment technologies/methodologies, 2) the design of nanomaterials for radiopharmaceuticals, and 3) the development of new technologies for use in biocontainment laboratories related to in vitro and or in vivo biocontainment related research methods.
• Obtain and analyze data for risk management, regulatory compliance best practices, biocontainment facility operations and biosafety/biosecurity practices.
• Experimental/operational work within BSL-3 containment laboratories including the safe handling of microbiological materials.
• Keeps meticulous records in laboratory notebook and online data management systems and initial analysis of laboratory results.
• Write technical reports of experimental data to meet the sponsors' requirements and for manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed journal article publication.
• Shares responsibility with other lab members for compliance with Federal and University safety procedures and maintaining common supplies and instruments.
• Conduct literature searches related to research projects.

Minimum qualifications:

Ph.D. in Infectious Diseases/Microbiology or a related field by the time of appointment.

Ability to pass Select Agent Security Risk and Personnel Suitability Assessments and obtain the required medical clearances to work with animals and infectious agents within 6 months of hire.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Excellent communication skills.
• High-quality, peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with select agent toxins, bacterial or viral pathogens.
• Experience in Biosafety Level-3 laboratories.
• Animal experimentation including handing, bio-sample collection, necropsy, and related techniques.
• Experience in systems engineering, risk mitigation strategies.

Application Materials:
Cover Letter, CV and Research Statement

Application Process:
Please navigate to MU's Prospective Academic Employees site and enter job opening ID 49084.

Questions:
If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Chris Lorson at lorsonc@missouri.edu .

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