Postdoctoral Associate, Multiple Vacancies

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, Piscataway

Jan 16, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Associate, Multiple Vacancies
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	RWJ-Biochemistry&Molecular Biology
Overview	New Jersey's academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences ( RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University-New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research. Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers. Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state-at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, including Piscataway; and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark's University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates. Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for the department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. The Patel Laboratory (http://www.smitapatelab.org/), at the Rutgers University in New Jersey, is seeking Postdoctoral Associates to contribute to one of three active research projects. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research addressing fundamental questions in mitochondrial biology and innate immunity. Candidates should have a strong foundation in biochemistry/biophysics and molecular biology for studying proteins and nucleic acids. Our research integrates cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, single-molecule fluorescence, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate the mechanisms of DNA and RNA synthesis and viral RNA recognition. One project involves studying the regulation of the human mitochondrial DNA transcription. This project focuses on the human mitochondrial RNA polymerase complexes responsible for mitochondrial DNA transcription. Research will focus on understanding the mechanism of transcription initiation by working with reconstituted complexes from purified proteins and using biochemical assays and cryo-EM methods to study reaction intermediates. The second project investigates the mitochondrial helicase, Twinkle, exploring its dual roles in DNA replication and non-replicative activities such as DNA annealing and strand exchange. These non-replicative functions have potential biological significance, which remains to be understood. The third project examines RIG-I-like helicases, critical innate immune receptors that detect viral RNA from pathogens such as SARSCoV-2, HCV, and influenza. Research will focus on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms by which these receptors differentiate self- RNA from viral RNA, as well as how viral RNA recognition triggers immune activation. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Engage in scientific communication, training of junior personnel, grant writing and manuscript preparation. Participate in the evaluation of existing procedures, suggesting revisions where necessary and proposing new procedures where required. Assists in the implementation of the programs and projects in special areas of interest to the laboratory. Contributes to the development of performance standards, selection of methodology and instrumentation and coordination of the analytical, biochemical, physiology and instrumentation functions with the research areas to ensure conformance with the goals and objectives of the department. Maintains accurate records of laboratory notebooks and research activity. Reviews literature and prepares manuscripts and abstracts for submission. Presents findings at national meetings. May also mentor graduate/undergraduate students.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade
Position Salary	$61,805/annual
Annual Minimum Salary
Annual Mid Range Salary
Annual Maximum Salary
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Post Docs - Regular Salaried
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	The candidate is to have a PhD degree in life sciences, or similar, and a passion for scientific discovery. Significant experience in the study of proteins and nucleic acids. Candidates in ABD (all but degree) status will also be considered.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	The ideal candidate is energetic, collegial, detail oriented and organized.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical Demands: Standing, sitting, walking, talking or hearing. No special vision requirements. Work Environment: Radioactivity and hazardous chemicals are used in the laboratory. Lab environment; moderate noise.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0089
Posting Open Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus	Piscataway (RBHS)
City	Piscataway
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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