About This Role:

The Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology within the College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking applicants for a Fellow (Post Doc). This position is for a Post-Doctoral fellow to conduct independent research as part of a newly established research team at K-State (Souza-Neto Lab). This position focuses primarily on studying the interplay between host/vector-virus-microbiome in agricultural and zoonotic arboviruses. The selected candidate will engage in research activities encompassing a wide repertoire of modern technologies including WGS, RNA-seq, 16S microbiomics, gene silencing and genome editing to identify target genes and microbes important for virus infection/transmission that could be further used to the development of countermeasure tools to such diseases. This position is part of multidisciplinary and collaborative activities that will require engagement with collaborators within and outside the college, including USDA, and requires dedication to activities related to insect vectors (mosquito) rearing and manipulation, and eventual support to animal. Duties would include planning and conducting experiments; writing and editing manuscripts/articles; establishing procedures and techniques; and provide educational guidance to students.  The position requires the individual to display critical thinking and independent judgement as it relates to ongoing and new molecular, viral, host and vector research with direct guidance from the Principal Investigator.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, entomology, microbiology, bioinformatics or other related area.
• Experience with functional genomics, transcriptomics and/or microbiomics research.
• Ability to work independently and as a multicultural team member.
• Proven experience with scientific writing and preparation of peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• >3 yrs. hands-on experience producing and analyzing NGS data with focus on transcriptomics (RNA-Seq) and microbiomics (16S-Seq) in both short- and long-reads sequencing platforms. Experience in virus and cell culture techniques, general and advanced molecular biology and functional genomics techniques, including but not limited to PCR, RT-qPCR, cloning, expression, recombinant protein purification, RNAi gene silencing, and CRISPR-Cas gene editing.
• Experience with rearing mosquitoes and handling animals in research settings.
• Experience with manuscript and grant writing/editing, presentations in national and international meetings and peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to use standard PPEs required for laboratory work and eventual support in animal work.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Contact information for three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$47,000- $65,000 per year

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.