[DBS]

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position in microbiology is available immediately in the lab of Dr. Patrick Secor as part of an interactive multidisciplinary research team focused on bacteriophage biology at the University of Montana. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work under the supervision of Dr. Secor to complete the exciting research on a novel antibacterial vaccine targeting bacteriophages.  The appointment involves substantially full-time research and the appointee has the freedom, and is expected, to publish the results of their research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

The appointee is expected to be both highly independent and collaborative, and they will have significant leeway in the scope and design of projects. A key requirement is that the individual has the ability to see intellectually and technically complex projects through to their conclusion, which will involve developing methodological approaches and reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data and results from the project. Great autonomy and ability to exhibit independent decision-making is expected in designing and implementing strategies for achieving shared research goals.

The appointee will write papers for publication based on research, compose projects reports and contribute to grant applications, present at seminars and national meetings, and participate in research group meetings that may include oral and/or written brief reports. The appointee may be asked to supervise research personnel including undergraduate and/or graduate students, providing training and guidance with regard to specific techniques.

POSITION DETAILS

• The position is a full-time Letter of Appointment and includes a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package(i.e., MUS health insurance benefits, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program).

This position requires incumbent to develop a working knowledge and ability to independently design and engineer mutant bacterial strains including clean deletions, point mutants, fluorescent transcriptional reporters, rescue cloning, and other genetic tools and techniques used in a molecular microbiology lab. Additionally, the candidate will become proficient with designing chromatography protocols for the purification of biological materials such as proteins, bacteriophage, or cell envelope components.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science or related field (current or within 3 months for current graduate students)
• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in the following techniques:
  • Molecular genetics
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Analytical method development and troubleshooting
  • Experimental design with appropriate controls included
  • Ability to use experimental data to rationally develop the next experiment
• Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• Ability to identify, analyze and summarize relevant literature
• Ability to devise and articulate a research plan with defined goals, and design sound experimental strategies with appropriate controls
• Proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard
• Ability to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary research
• Knowledge and experience in a laboratory environment
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
• Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Ability to maintain a safe working and learning environment
• Ability to achieve project goals within time and budget

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong working knowledge of microbial genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine/drug formulation
• A solid understanding of biochemistry or biological systems, with a strong theoretical and empirical background
• Good supervisory skills
• Ability to manage several projects of a highly complex nature simultaneously
• Ability to actively participate in professional development
• Willingness to assist with the daily administration of the laboratory (lab safety, orderliness, supplies)
• Willingness to assist with grant reporting

About the Division of Biological Sciences, UM, and Missoula

The Division of Biological Sciences delivers high‐quality academic programs in the biological sciences. The Division educates students at all levels from the baccalaureate to the doctoral, so that they develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed as professional biologists and as citizens in a rapidly changing world. We foster strong research programs that create new knowledge, understanding, and approaches in biology. These programs enhance the learning environment for students by involving them directly in mentored research and provide solutions that benefit the university, state, region, nation, and the world.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 500+ full-time faculty members. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 70,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “TOP 20 BEST COLLEGE TOWNS WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN 250,000” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “THE 16 GREATEST PLACES TO LIVE IN AMERICA” in 2014. Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high QUALITY OF LIFE. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. 

UM is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA, MISSOULA, AND THE STATE OF MONTANA, PLEASE VISIT THE LINKS BELOW.

• UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
  • UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS
• CITY OF MISSOULA
  • DESTINATION MISSOULA
  • Video: THERE'S THIS PLACE
  • MISSOULA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• STATE OF MONTANA
  • VISIT MONTANA

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/VETERAN'S PREFERENCE Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. REFERENCES: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. TESTING: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

HOW TO APPLY

PRIORITY APPLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 25, 2019 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Applications received by 11/25/2019 will be guaranteed consideration.  Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled. 

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below. 

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• LETTER OF INTEREST addressing the stated required skills for the position
• DETAILED RESUME listing education and describing work experience
• Names and contact information for THREE (3) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

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Required Skills Required Experience