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Position Definition:                                                                                                                                   

The Nayak Lab has an opening for a post-doctoral researcher who is interested in advancing our knowledge of the gut microbiome and its impact on rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. We use multiple state-of-the-art technologies, including bacterial genomics, metabolomics, anaerobic microbiology, bacterial genetics, gnotobiotic animal models, and studies of patient cohorts to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota impact patient response to treatment of rheumatic disease. A major driving force of the lab is the advancement of precision medicine for patients with rheumatic disease.

We seek highly talented and motivated candidates with strong backgrounds in microbiology, immunology, microbial genomics, computational biology, and/or murine models of inflammatory disease. Candidates will be expected to work independently and be active contributors to the collaborative multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, immunologists, and computational biologists who form the Nayak Lab. Candidates will be expected to push projects forward with creativity and rigor. The candidate will aid in an ongoing research projects investigating the host-microbe-drug interactions and perform highly specialized as well as routine procedures to conduct well-designed, controlled experiments. The successful candidate will report directly to Dr. Renuka Nayak, MD, PhD but will work closely with collaborators within and outside of the group.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of well-designed experiments.
• Responsible for handling pathogenic microbes and using aseptic techniques, analyzing high-throughput data, performing analytical chemistry experimentation, and working with mouse models of disease.
• Implement, troubleshoot, optimize, and develop new assays, making innovative contributions to laboratory procedures
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring all equipment and procedures for quality control
• Review pertinent medical literature
• Responsible for data analysis (visualization and statistical analyses in R) and generation manuscript for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Responsible for preparation of scientific abstracts and scientific presentations.
• Responsible for interactions with collaborators, as well as supervision of technicians or students as needed. 
• Maintain a detailed written record of work performed
• Assist with the composition of grant applications
• Adhere to data security requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned (including with managing day-to-day lab operations, performing general lab duties, and being a positive lab citizen)

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Microbiology, Genomics, Immunology, Pharmacology or other related field
• Track record of first-author original research publications
• Rigorous basic and translational research experience/training during graduate/research training.
• Significant experience in standard laboratory techniques (such as microbiology and handling pathogenic strains, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, flow cytometry, analytical chemistry, mouse studies, etc.) is required.
• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories.
• Willingness and ability to learn new methods and skills for changing research priorities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, coordinate work tasks with others, and meet multiple deadlines.
• The candidate should be highly motivated, dedicated, and a team player.
• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical analyses.
• Ability to make sound decisions consistent with the essential job functions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and ability to follow experimental protocols.
• Excellent time management and attention management skills.
• Ability to think creatively and to troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Ability to work productively with minimal supervision,
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work as a member of a research team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in high throughput sequencing and analysis or computational analysis of large datasets
• Prior experience in mass spectrometry or other analytical chemistry approaches
• Prior experience in flow cytometry or other immune profiling methods
• Prior experience in the design and assembly of DNA constructs
• Prior experience in bacterial genome manipulation
• Prior experience working with mice

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment for this position will include an indoor office and a medical research environment.  It may include some minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may sustain posture in standing or seated position and may utilize a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time. This is a 100% on-site, full-time position.

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law.  The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base wage range for this position is $68,640.00 - $79639.96 per year. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States.  If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.