Postdoctoral Researcher - Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Position Description:

Every day, in ways both big and small, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is impacting lives for the better. MCW ... changemaking for a healthier Wisconsin.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, and according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), a postdoc is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced research training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. In addition, according to the National Postdoc Association (NPA), Postdoctoral appointees can pursue basic, clinical or translational projects so long as their primary effort is devoted toward their own scholarship. Postdocs are essential to the scholarly mission of the mentor and host institution, and thus are expected to have the freedom to publish the results of their scholarship.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute complex research studies, procedures, and protocols.
• Lead and manage assigned discovery and research projects, coordinating all study activities.
• Organize, synthesize, and analyze research data; interpret and evaluate results.
• Prepare and present scientific reports, findings, and manuscripts.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research staff to develop methodologies and refine lab procedures.
• Maintain lab supplies, negotiate with vendors as needed, and track purchase orders.
• Provide training, daily direction, and mentorship to laboratory personnel; delegate tasks and establish priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

Core Scientific Knowledge:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Statistics

Laboratory and Technical Skills:

• Molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, RT-PCR, cloning, sequencing)
• Mammalian cell culture (primary cells and continuous lines); aseptic technique
• Virological assays (viral propagation, titration such as plaque assays or TCID50, neutralization assays)
• Immunological methods (ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy)
• Basic bioinformatics and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, GraphPad)

Research and Analytical Abilities:

• Experimental design and troubleshooting
• Complex problem solving and critical thinking
• Data interpretation and utilization
• Knowledge of biosafety regulations and adherence to BSL-2/BSL-3 protocols
• Documentation, records management, and regulatory compliance

Professional and Communication Skills:

• Scientific writing (progress updates, manuscripts, grant proposals)
• Verbal communication and ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences
• Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams; ability to mentor junior trainees
• Resource and time management to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior virology research experience (e.g., pathogenesis, antiviral drug development, vaccine studies)
• Familiarity with animal models for viral infection (if applicable)
• Record of scientific publications or conference presentations
• Experience preparing grant proposals and regulatory submissions (e.g., IBC)

Preferred Schedule:



Temporary role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum education: PhD in a scientific field or MD
Minimum experience: 0-3 years of prior postdoc experience

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental.
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave

For a brief overview of our benefits see: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/human-resources/benefits

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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