Microbiome Research Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Department Overview

The School of Dentistry shares the mission of the Oregon Health & Science University to provide educational programs, basic and clinical research, and high quality care and community programs. We strive to foster an environment of mutual respect where the free exchange of ideas can flourish. The dental school prepares graduates in general dentistry and the dental specialties to deliver compassionate and ethical oro-facial health care.

Read more about the School of Dentistry: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-dentistry 

Function/Duties of Position

This is an NIH T32 training grant-supported postdoctoral research position. The successful candidate will work independently to investigate the biochemical and genetic mechanisms supporting posttranscriptional gene regulation in the human oral pathobiont Streptococcus mutans. He/she will be responsible for most of the planning, implementation, and data interpretation associated with his/her research. Thus, the candidate will be expected to work independently with attention to detail and strong record-keeping. The goal is to understand how protein-protein interactions control mRNA targeting and processing by the S. mutans RNase J complex. To achieve this goal, we have developed a unique genetic system to augment in vivo purification of specific RNase J heteromeric complex isotypes present in the cell. Typical laboratory techniques often require expertise with northern blot, western blot, protein expression/purification, coimmunoprecipitation, gene expression analysis, targeted mutagenesis, and microscopy.

Demonstrable prior experience with the human microbiome and/or synthetic biology approaches is preferred. As a postdoctoral scholar, the candidate may also be involved with the training and supervision of students and junior staff as well as play an integral role in the management and supply ordering for the laboratory. Assistance with the development and preparation of grants/manuscripts will also be expected. 

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in (genetics, biochemistry/molecular biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, or another relevant field)
• Demonstrable experience with some or all of the following: bacterial genetics, protein chemistry, proteomics, coimmunoprecipitation, RNA purification/analysis, and gene expression/transcriptomics
• Grant and/or manuscript preparation experience
• Planning, implementation, and data interpretation experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Organizational and time management skills that maintain timeliness of work and accurate prioritization
• Ability to train and supervise students and junior staff
• Attention to detail and strong record keeping experience/skills 

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree and/or postdoctoral research involving bacterial genetics and biochemistry
• Protein expression and purification
• Experience/knowledge of the microbiome, especially the oral microbiota
• Experience with oral bacterial genetics

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER