Job Overview

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (COM) has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improves the health and clinical care of patients. In partnership with the UC Health academic healthcare system and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, College of Medicine’s faculty are transforming the world of medicine every day.

A full time Post Doc Fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Ardythe Morrow in the Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. Candidates with a strong background in extracellular vesicle research, virology, cell and molecular biology, and/or drug discovery and screening are encouraged to apply.

The incumbent will conduct research and/or analyze research data and ensure that all experiments are appropriately conducted following the policies and procedures of the University of Cincinnati. The applicant will join a team of researchers to investigate the therapeutic potential of peptides and extracellular vesicles derived from human milk. The research will focus on antiviral and/or anticancer screening using cell-based assays and determine the molecular basis responsible for the functional effects in vitro and in vivo. The computational approach is coupled with experimental validations to discover novel therapeutic peptides. The combinatorial isolation and characterization of human milk extracellular vesicles (hMEVs) is coupled with deep molecular profiling, a battery of assays, and nanotechnological research efforts that can lead to the novel hMEV-inspired therapeutic nanoparticles with precisely targeted delivery. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.

Cincinnati is a vibrant city with affordable housing and low cost of living, with an internationally oriented multicultural community. Good schools and world-class cultural activities provide an excellent backdrop from which to engage in cutting-edge research.

Essential Functions

• Conduct research experiments in a particular field within the pre-determined research scope and methodology.
• Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
• Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
• Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
• Cell culture facility maintenance, including cells, viruses, equipment, and supplies.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field required.
• Equivalent degrees with relevant experience considered.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Independent experimental design.
• Extracellular vesicle research.
• Virus culture in the biosafety level 2&3 laboratory with experience on viral infection assays, such as plaque assays, TCID50 assays, and qPCR-based assays.
• Mammalian cell culture.
• Molecular assays, including PCR, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunohistological analyses, flow cytometry, animal studies.
• Recognition in virology, drug discovery and/or extracellular vesicle research as evidenced by publications and/or presentations at national/international meetings.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment