Postdoctoral Fellow Molecular Microbiology

JHT is hiring for a 1 year Postdoctoral Fellow position (with the opportunity for extension) to conduct research under NOAA’s Oceans and Human Health Initiative in Charleston, SC. The objective of this project is to develop assays and rapid detection field equipment to identify infectious agents, both terrestrial and aquatic in nature, present in marine mammals. The successful applicant will develop real time PCR based assays for identification of bacterial zoonotics in clinical samples. These assays will then be deployed to a hand held instrument for use in the field. The applicant will also be responsible for developing bacterial DNA extraction protocols that can be performed in the field with minimal equipment. Knowledge of qPCR and nucleic acid isolation from complex matrices is essential, as well as extensive experience with molecular biology techniques and basic bioinformatics skills. Extension of funding is available based on success of the project.
• Work with other scientific staff at CCEHBR.
• Assist with field work and research cruises.
• Assist with reporting and manuscript preparations.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.
• Extract bacterial DNA from marine mammal (mainly dolphin and sea lion) biomatrices such as blood, urine, feces or respiratory mucosa.
• Develop qPCR assays for BSL2 level bacteria such as Campylobacter, Leptospira, Salmonella, Streptococcus and Vibrio.
• Develop and test PCR assays for bacteria in the lab setting.
• Develop and test DNA field extraction methods from marine mammal biomatrices.
• Test and validate PCR assays in samples using field extracts
• Guide deployment of assays to hand held PCR instrument with collaborators and field test equipment

Requirements:
• PhD in Biological Marine Sciences or related environmental sciences field, with a preferred emphasis in marine microbiology.
• Ability to perform field work, after the first year.
• Communicate results orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to multitask efficiently and work effectively.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship will not be provided.

The salary for this position will be approximately $45,000 per year.