Research Scientist
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Research
Posted on April 15, 2024
Summary
The Philips Institute for Oral Health Research in the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, VCU School of Dentistry is seeking a highly motivated full-time Research Scientist. The ideal candidate should be capable of both independent work and collaboration within a team on NIH-funded projects in the laboratory of Dr. Huizhi Wang. The successful applicant will join a group employing a range of methodologies, including cell biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and in vivo animal models, to investigate the interactions between oral pathogens and hosts. They will also explore the implications of these interactions on oral immune homeostasis and the progression of oral cancer. This position offers excellent benefits, along with significant potential for career advancement and independence.
Position Responsibilities:
Examine the molecular mechanisms involved in oral immune homeostasis and oral cancer progression, with a focus on the impact of oral bacterial infections on chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy for oral cancer. Additionally, this position offers the potential for the successful applicant to develop further projects in the fields of cancer immune response and immunotherapy, potentially leading to a significant degree of independence.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. degree and at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience, and a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, and mouse models
- Experience of flow cytometry and RNA-seq
- Willingness to perform animal procedures in an environment characterized by a strong commitment to the humane treatment of animals
- Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team
- Willingness to mentor junior lab personnel
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as an employee at VCU
- Experience working in oral pathogen and host interaction
- Experience in inflammation and adaptive immune response research
- Experience in the research of anaerobic bacteria
- Experience in cell-based immune assays, cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis experiments
- Experience in laboratory mouse breeding, genotyping, syngeneic mouse tumor models
- Experience in protein-protein interaction and protein-lipid interaction assays
Position Details:
Department: Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, VCU School of Dentistry
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes, Depending on funding
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Huizhi Wang
Contact Email: wangh3@vcu.edu
