Post Doctoral Fellow

JOB TITLE

Post Doctoral Fellow

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Biology & Biotechnology - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Bourgeois Lab at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work towards identifying genetic risk factors of severe and post-treatment Lyme disease—caused by B. burgdorferi infection. The project leverages single-cell RNA sequencing, DNA sequencing, cell culture, and clinical data to gain mechanistic insight into why Lyme disease outcomes are variable. As a result, this position involves a mix of computational and experimental tasks.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Perform cell culture in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory to probe how primary and immortalized human cells respond to Borrelia burgdorferi. Maintain clear electronic laboratory notebook describing experimental techniques performed in the lab.
• Leverage bioinformatic skills to analyze transcriptomic data, collect and organize human whole-genome sequencing data, and perform GWAS analyses. Keep robust notes on how the code works and key considerations for repeating the analyses.
• Independently read primary literature to remain current on new advances in bioinformatic tools and pipelines, as well as relevant findings in B. burgdorferi host-pathogen interactions.
• Collaborate with other researchers in the lab and across WPI. Train undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory.
• Present data and findings to the field through oral presentations and written manuscripts.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.    

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.