Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Description:

Every day, in ways both big and small, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is impacting lives for the better. MCW ... changemaking for a healthier Wisconsin.

A Postdoctoral Fellowship with a two-year postdoctoral fellowship (with the possibility of continued support) is available in the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Physiology. This research is focused on investigating cellular and molecular changes of pulmonary vagal sensory neurons and lung neuroendocrine cell function in health and chronic lung disease. Fellows will create and follow an individualized development plan (IDP), conduct research studies, attend required courses/seminars, write grants, publish manuscripts, present oral presentations locally and nationally, and learn other skills necessary for a successful career in cardiorespiratory research or a closely related field. Clinical scholars will have protected time for research.

Understanding of general and specific laboratory procedures, and scientific approach and methodologies. Ability to use independent judgment. Ability to follow research methodology and protocol. Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures. Strong critical thinking, problem solving and attentiveness to detail required. Training and credentialling required includes formal training in biomedical sciences, especially respiratory physiology. Required scientific expertise includes advanced training in in vivo neuronal manipulations, whole-body plethysmography, breathing physiology/lung function, vagal sensory neuron function, autonomic function, and respiratory physiology. Demonstrated experience in the development and maintenance of colonies of genetically-engineered mammalian species is required. Demonstrated expertise in advanced surgical approaches in rodents is required, including stereotaxic implantation/injection, vagal nerve isolation, lung histology, lavage collection, cell isolation, and opto/chemogenetics and/or calcium imaging. He/she should have published expertise in respiratory physiology and pertinent cellular and/or molecular mechanisms. Technical expertise in computer programming languages including R, Phython, and LabView are welcomed. Demonstrated proficiency in written and spoken English, with a special emphasis on technical writing, is required. Demonstrated experience in basic whole-animal physiological research is desired.

Interested applicants should apply online and attach their curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information of three references.

Responsibilities:

• Work under the mentorship of the principal investigator and mentoring team to develop research projects consistent with the aims of the research program. This would require a thorough investigation of background information pertinent to the research program and an ability to understand the theoretical basis of the work being performed.
• Under the guidance of the faculty mentor and mentoring team, create and follow an individualized development plan (IDP) with foundational elements including, but not limited to progressive responsibility, coordination across multiple levels of translation, interactions with other cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular scientists, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and specific coursework, seminars, and conferences for training in core competencies such as the ethical conduct of research, writing and critique of grants and manuscripts, study design and management, mentoring, teamwork, networking, and oral presentations.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments specific to the aims of research.
• Troubleshoot assays and customize experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinate external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan.
• Generate clear, complete, and timely records of experimental work.
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff to evaluate and interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and assess lab procedures.
• Communicate results of research at meetings and actively participate in publication of results.
• Attend pertinent research seminars and investigate new research articles at the request of principal investigator and on own volition.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative research team is required.
• Periodically mentor undergraduate and graduate student in a laboratory setting.

Preferred Schedule:



Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 some weekends

Position Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Certification: Required Animal Laboratory Use or other Biosafety Training to be completed in first month of employment.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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