Postdoc - Department of Internal Medicine - Division of Infectious Diseases
- University of Ca, Davis, Medical Center
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Job Number: 7307712
- Posting Date: Newly posted
Job Description
Job Description:
This position is located in the Gomez-Simmonds laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases, a growing lab at UC Davis focused on studying the genomic epidemiology and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of hospital-associated bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant and difficult to treat Gram-negative bacteria. Research areas of interest include using next-generation whole genome sequencing to characterize the genomic basis of pathogen transmission, infection phenotypes, and antibiotic resistance, and integrating genomic and epidemiologic data to optimize frameworks for tracking and managing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the hospital. This post-doctoral position would entail carrying out a research project investigating the genotypic basis of beta-lactam resistance in Enterobacterales, including using long-read sequencing to evaluate genotypic factors associated with antibiotic resistance phenotypes. The post-doctoral researcher would also be involved in developing new projects, participating in publication and dissemination of research findings, and supervising and training graduate students.
Funding is available for up to 4 years. Although we will consider a range of backgrounds, this is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with expertise in microbiology and bacterial genomics who would like to develop or refine expertise in clinical applications of whole genome sequencing, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid genetics.
Key responsibilities:
5% - Laboratory management - Contributes to general operations of the laboratory, including taking inventory of reagents and supplies and assisting with ordering of needed items, basic laboratory organization and cleaning, and cataloguing and archiving of laboratory specimens. Participates in the development and maintenance of systems for data organization and archiving. Interacts with the Genome Center to arrange sequencing orders. Contributes to training laboratory staff and students on laboratory techniques and protocols. Assists in adherence to laboratory safety practices in accordance with Environmental Health and Safety guidelines and participates in safety training (biosafety, general lab safety) and maintenance of BSL-2 safety standards. Participates in weekly lab meetings. Maintains a good working relationship with other laboratory members and provides training and support to graduate students and other laboratory staff and trainees.
40% - Laboratory experiments - Carries out research activities independently with guidance from the Principal Investigator. Independently develops and performs laboratory protocols in basic bacteriology and molecular biology; carries out whole genome sequencing experiments and data acquisition. Reads and interprets relevant scientific literature to be able to optimize laboratory protocols and integrate novel techniques into laboratory workflows.
40% - Data analysis - Collects and organizes experimental results in a clear and efficient fashion to ensure data integrity. Uses computational methods to analyze sequencing data including performing comprehensive genotyping, genome assembly and annotation, and comparative genomic analysis. Independently analyzes and interprets data. Maintains a lab notebook.
15% - Data interpretation and dissemination - Leads the development of research and outreach outputs related to projects, including publications, research briefs, data visualizations, and presentations.
Job Qualifications:
• PhD or other doctoral degree in applicable biological sciences (e.g. microbiology, molecular biology, genetics) at time of appointment start date.
• Ability to independently carry out standard laboratory experiments in bacteriology and molecular biology
• Experience using next-generation whole genome sequencing platforms (ideal candidate will have experience with library preparation, sequencing, and downstream applications)
• Excellent organizational, writing and communication skills
• Ability to carry out statistical analyses
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A strong publication record demonstrating prior experience related to the research topics in the position description
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams
• Familiarity with clinical microbiology and infectious diseases
• Strong computational skills (e.g. experience using R, python) and experience using genomic analysis programs
• Experience or prior coursework in plasmid biology and/or genetics
This position is located in the Gomez-Simmonds laboratory in the Division of Infectious Diseases, a growing lab at UC Davis focused on studying the genomic epidemiology and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of hospital-associated bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant and difficult to treat Gram-negative bacteria. Research areas of interest include using next-generation whole genome sequencing to characterize the genomic basis of pathogen transmission, infection phenotypes, and antibiotic resistance, and integrating genomic and epidemiologic data to optimize frameworks for tracking and managing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the hospital. This post-doctoral position would entail carrying out a research project investigating the genotypic basis of beta-lactam resistance in Enterobacterales, including using long-read sequencing to evaluate genotypic factors associated with antibiotic resistance phenotypes. The post-doctoral researcher would also be involved in developing new projects, participating in publication and dissemination of research findings, and supervising and training graduate students.
Funding is available for up to 4 years. Although we will consider a range of backgrounds, this is an excellent opportunity for a candidate with expertise in microbiology and bacterial genomics who would like to develop or refine expertise in clinical applications of whole genome sequencing, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid genetics.
Key responsibilities:
5% - Laboratory management - Contributes to general operations of the laboratory, including taking inventory of reagents and supplies and assisting with ordering of needed items, basic laboratory organization and cleaning, and cataloguing and archiving of laboratory specimens. Participates in the development and maintenance of systems for data organization and archiving. Interacts with the Genome Center to arrange sequencing orders. Contributes to training laboratory staff and students on laboratory techniques and protocols. Assists in adherence to laboratory safety practices in accordance with Environmental Health and Safety guidelines and participates in safety training (biosafety, general lab safety) and maintenance of BSL-2 safety standards. Participates in weekly lab meetings. Maintains a good working relationship with other laboratory members and provides training and support to graduate students and other laboratory staff and trainees.
40% - Laboratory experiments - Carries out research activities independently with guidance from the Principal Investigator. Independently develops and performs laboratory protocols in basic bacteriology and molecular biology; carries out whole genome sequencing experiments and data acquisition. Reads and interprets relevant scientific literature to be able to optimize laboratory protocols and integrate novel techniques into laboratory workflows.
40% - Data analysis - Collects and organizes experimental results in a clear and efficient fashion to ensure data integrity. Uses computational methods to analyze sequencing data including performing comprehensive genotyping, genome assembly and annotation, and comparative genomic analysis. Independently analyzes and interprets data. Maintains a lab notebook.
15% - Data interpretation and dissemination - Leads the development of research and outreach outputs related to projects, including publications, research briefs, data visualizations, and presentations.
Job Qualifications:
• PhD or other doctoral degree in applicable biological sciences (e.g. microbiology, molecular biology, genetics) at time of appointment start date.
• Ability to independently carry out standard laboratory experiments in bacteriology and molecular biology
• Experience using next-generation whole genome sequencing platforms (ideal candidate will have experience with library preparation, sequencing, and downstream applications)
• Excellent organizational, writing and communication skills
• Ability to carry out statistical analyses
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A strong publication record demonstrating prior experience related to the research topics in the position description
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams
• Familiarity with clinical microbiology and infectious diseases
• Strong computational skills (e.g. experience using R, python) and experience using genomic analysis programs
• Experience or prior coursework in plasmid biology and/or genetics
