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Position Details
Position Information
Recruitment/Posting Title
Post Doctoral Associate (Semenova Lab)
Department
Waksman Institute of Microbiol
Salary Details
63968.00
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Posting Summary
The Semenova laboratory at the Waksman Institute of Microbiology has an open Postdoctoral Associate position to investigate CRISPR-Cas13-mediated immunity. Under the supervision of Dr. Semenova, the postdoctoral fellow will participate in grant-funded research aimed at:
• Characterizing collateral RNA cleavage by diverse Cas13 homologs and determining their RNA substrate preferences and mechanisms of activation.
• Defining cellular defense pathways induced by collateral RNA cleavage, with a focus on defense mechanisms triggered by tRNA cleavage.
• Investigating spacer acquisition in RNA-targeting type VI CRISPR-Cas systems.
• Exploring the evolutionary diversity of Cas13 effectors and their implications for technologies.
The successful candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in CRISPR-Cas systems, RNA biology, phage biology, and microbial defense mechanisms. The Semenova laboratory provides a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters scientific independence and career development. The candidate will have opportunities to lead projects, develop independent research directions, prepare fellowship and grant applications, and build a strong foundation for future academic or industry careers.
Key Duties:
60 % 1. Conduct research on RNA-targeting type VI CRISPR-Cas systems.
15 % 2. Analyze research data and prepare manuscripts for publication.
15 % 3. Mentor and train undergraduate students in the lab.
5% 4. Prepare proposals for postdoctoral fellowships.
5 % 5. Present research findings at local and international conferences.
Level of Decision Making:
The postdoc will design and optimize experiments, particularly for Next Generation Sequencing workflows, including library preparation and data analysis. They will exercise independent judgment in data analysis, troubleshooting unexpected results, adjusting protocols, and ensuring high-quality data for publication.
Scope & Impact:
The position involves complex experimental research on RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems, requiring technical expertise and independent problem-solving. The scope includes the specific project, collaboration with other labs, mentoring undergraduates, and contributing to publications, conferences, and future grant proposals.
Position Status
Full Time
Posting Number
26FA0661
Posting Open Date
Posting Close Date
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
The candidate must have a PhD degree in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field by the position's start date. Experience in microbial genetics and cultivation, molecular cloning, protein expression and characterization, DNA and RNA purification and analysis, and protein-nucleic acid interactions is required. The candidate should be self-driven, well-organized, a strong team player, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The candidate must have a PhD degree in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field by the position's start date. Experience in microbial genetics and cultivation, molecular cloning, protein expression and characterization, DNA and RNA purification and analysis, and protein-nucleic acid interactions is required. The candidate should be self-driven, well-organized, a strong team player, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in Next Generation Sequencing, including library preparation for DNA and RNA sequencing and conducting Illumina sequencing runs, as well as data analysis, is highly preferred. Experience in biochemistry and structural analysis of RNA-processing enzymes is desirable.
Equipment Utilized
Must be familiar with all common microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques, gel electrophoresis, RNA isolation systems, PCR machines, autoclaves, Apple computers, Windows PC's, electrophoresis equipment, and protein purification systems (e.g., tissue homogenization and chromatography). Must be familiar with Microsoft Office, SnapGene, and GraphPad.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Able to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Able to perform some work in cold and warm rooms. Long periods of standing and/or sitting.
Overview
Statement
Posting Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/278369
Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City
Piscataway
State
NJ
Location Details
Waksman Institute of Microbiology
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
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.
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 encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement