Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pathobiology at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Pathobiology
College of Veterinary Medicine



In 2024 Forbes ranked the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as #13 among all US public colleges, on the basis of return on investment, student success, student debt, and alumni leadership and influence. Only one other campus featuring a veterinary college ranked above U. of I.


There is a Postdoctoral research opportunity available with the Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, located in Urbana, Illinois, USA. The Department of Pathobiology addresses complex problems in biomedical and infectious diseases, with emphasis placed on studies of microbiology, immunology, disease prevention, and epidemiology, with the goals of making healthy humans and animals, along with a healthy environment.



Job Summary:

Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform research in the laboratory of Dr. Gireesh Rajashekara in the Pathobiology Department. This position will support research in microbiology, molecular biology, pathogenesis, and immunity to animal pathogens, foodborne pathogens of animal origin, pyhtopathogens, as well as studies involving the interaction of different probiotic bacteria with enteric pathogens in different animal models.



Duties & Responsibilities:

Participation in experimental design, conducting research, performing data interpretation, as well as analyzing and preparing manuscripts. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform polymerase chain (PCR) testing, drug discovery using high throughput screening of small molecules, evaluating antimicrobial peptides, microbiome studies, real-time PCR, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) cloning, sequencing, Plasmid DNA preparation, genomic DNA and RNA purification, protein expression, cell culture techniques, and animal studies. Literature searches of relevant topics and procedures is also expected. The position is responsible for general laboratory management, laboratory safety compliance, writing institutional biosafety and animal protocols, training other laboratory personnel, preparing research reports and summaries, writing and reviewing manuscripts, and creating posters and presentations for scientific meetings. Position will collaborate with other researchers in experimental design, data interpretation and analysis and preparation of manuscripts and grant applications. Postdoc will perform drug discovery operations using high throughput screening with small molecules and collaborate for microbiome studies, animal studies and conduct literature searches of relevant topics and procedures.





Requirements: Doctorate or Terminal degree in microbiology or a related field.



Appointment Information: This is a 100% full-time non-tenure track Postdoctoral Research Associate position, appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after October 18, 2024. The annual salary for this position is $47,476.



Application Procedures & Deadline Information:

For consideration, create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu/ and upload application materials, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and email contact information for at least three professional references. All requested information must be submitted prior to consideration. Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Friday, October 18. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information, contact Gireesh Rajashekara at gireesh2@illinois.edu . For questions about the application process, contact Illinois Human Resources at 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.


Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation's portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .