Postdoctoral Fellow--Karim Lab

Postdoctoral Fellow--Karim Lab

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow--Karim Lab.

Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States Division School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing qualifications and relevant experience, a CV, and contact information for 3 professional references. For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Shahid Karim at Shahid.Karim@usm.edu.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts scientific research in the Karim Laboratory focused on Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), a tick bite-induced meat allergy of public health significance. This position collaborates with the Principal Investigator and research team to design and conduct research using molecular biology, immunology, and functional genomics approaches to investigate how components of tick saliva contribute to the development of AGS. The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts laboratory experiments, maintains tick colonies, analyzes and documents research data, and contributes to manuscripts, grant applications, and scientific presentations. This is a restricted position with no defined end date. Continued employment is dependent upon project needs, availability of funding, and satisfactory performance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and research team to plan, design, and execute scientific research projects related to Alpha-Gal Syndrome and tick-host interactions.
• Conducts laboratory experiments using molecular biology, immunology, functional genomics, and other appropriate research methods to investigate tick bite-induced meat allergy.
• Maintains and manages laboratory tick colonies in accordance with established research protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Maintains accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks, research data, experimental records, and other required research documentation.
• Analyzes and interprets research findings and contributes to the preparation of data, figures, and other materials used to communicate research results.
• Drafts and revises scientific manuscripts, abstracts, reports, and other research materials for publication and dissemination.
• Prepares and contributes research data and scientific content for extramural grant applications and presents research findings at scientific conferences and other professional meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. or DVM/Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, or a related field. Two (2) years of experience conducting research involving ticks and animal models.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, computational biology, and functional genomics principles and research methods.
• Knowledge of tick biology, host immunology, and immune response pathways.
• Knowledge of transcriptomic analysis and its application to biomedical research.
• Knowledge of immunological assays and methods used to evaluate host immune responses to arthropod vectors and pathogen exposure.
• Knowledge of laboratory research methods, experimental design, data collection, and research documentation practices.
• Ability to conduct, analyze, and interpret scientific research and experimental data.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, research records, datasets, and supporting documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory, experimental, and technical challenges.
• Ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, research reports, grant-related materials, and professional presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple research activities and meet established deadlines.
• Skill in written, verbal, and scientific communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications and research data management practices.

Preferred Qualifications

Five (5) years of experience conducting research involving Amblyomma ticks. One (1) year of experience cultivating tick-borne pathogens in cell culture. Two (2) years of experience conducting immunological assays used to evaluate host immune responses to arthropod vectors or pathogen exposure. One (1) year of experience conducting transcriptomic analyses related to immune response pathways.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation''s leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.