Description

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at NC State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to conduct research focused on the isolation, characterization, genomics, and virulence of Orientia spp. bacteria associated with free-living chiggers.

The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative research team investigating Orientia spp. through a combination of bacterial culture, cell-based assays, next-generation sequencing, and genomic bioinformatics. The position will involve laboratory research conducted in a BSL-3 facility, as well as computational analysis of bacterial genomes.

Collaborating researchers will collect wild-caught, free-living chiggers in the United States and provide specimens for laboratory analysis. The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will contribute to the culture and characterization of Orientia spp., genomic sequencing and analysis, assessment of bacterial virulence, and preparation of research findings for publication and presentation.

Key Responsibilities:
   Culture Orientia spp. bacteria from specimens collected by collaborating researchers and establish and maintain pure bacterial cultures.
   Conduct laboratory studies to characterize Orientia spp. and assess bacterial virulence using appropriate human or animal cell lines.
   Perform bacterial culture and related laboratory research in a BSL-3 facility in accordance with established biosafety and laboratory protocols.
   Prepare purified bacterial DNA for next-generation sequencing and coordinate genomic sequencing with external sequencing service providers.
   Use probe-directed genome sequencing approaches, as appropriate, to obtain genomic data from Orientia spp. present in crude bacterial mixtures.
   Assemble, annotate, and analyze Orientia spp. genome sequences using bioinformatic approaches.
   Compare newly generated genome sequences with known Orientia spp. genomes to determine species identity and characterize genetic relationships.
   Conduct genomic analyses to investigate genetic factors associated with bacterial virulence and other relevant biological characteristics.
   Integrate laboratory and genomic findings to support research objectives.
   Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other scholarly products for dissemination of research findings.
   Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
   Contribute to collaborative research activities, grant proposals, and other scholarly activities as appropriate.
   Maintain accurate records of laboratory experiments, genomic analyses, and research findings.

Online application: Submit your complete application through the following link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/233409

Requirements

Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a related field.
Experience with mammalian and/or microbial cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Knowledge of microbial genomics, including genome assembly, annotation, and genomic data analysis using bioinformatics tools.