Postdoctoral Research Associate Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

The Old Dominion University Research Foundation seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The candidate chosen for this role will conduct cell-based bioelectrics research focused on pulsed-electric-field effects on plasma membrane dynamics, electroporation, membrane repair, and related cellular responses. The position will emphasize live-cell experiments, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and single-cell electrophysiological or optical readouts. The incumbent will design and execute experiments, analyze image and single-cell data, maintain mammalian cell cultures, prepare manuscripts and presentations, and contribute to externally funded research projects in the Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or training:

Doctoral training in cell biology, biophysics, electrophysiology, bioelectrics, biomedical engineering, physiology, neuroscience, molecular biology, or related fields.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Solid theoretical understanding and experience with the following research topics:

• Ability to maintain sterile cell culture; design controlled cell-based experiments.
• Use fluorescence microscopy or related live-cell imaging methods; analyze image or single-cell data mathematical and statistical principles.
• Analyze image or single-cell data.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and communicate results in written and oral form.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to work on site with biological samples, microscopy instrumentation, and electrical exposure systems; commitment to laboratory safety and reproducible research practices.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties are scientifically complex and require adapting published and laboratory-specific methods to new biological questions. The incumbent must plan experimental designs, optimize protocols, troubleshoot instrumentation and cell-based assays, evaluate data quality, and integrate microscopy, electrophysiological or optical readouts, and quantitative analysis.

• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot live-cell bioelectrics experiments using mammalian cell culture models, pulsed-electric-field exposure systems, fluorescence indicators, and quantitative microscopy.
• Perform and analyze live-cell microscopy and single-cell measurements, including TIRF/confocal or wide-field fluorescence imaging, membrane-potential or calcium/permeabilization assays, and electrophysiology-compatible readouts when applicable.
• Process, quantify, and interpret experimental data using appropriate image analysis, statistics, graphing, and reproducible data-management practices.
• Maintain cell cultures, prepare reagents, follow biosafety and laboratory safety procedures, and ensure reliable operation of cell biology and microscopy workflows.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, reports, figures, and presentations; contribute to grant progress reports and collaborative research communications.
• Other duties as assigned, including training students or junior personnel, maintaining protocols, and assisting with shared laboratory needs.

Please visit ODU Research Foundation website at http://researchfoundation.odu.edu; click on the employment tab and follow the link for position #26-021. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug Free

This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.