Postdoctoral Scholar

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a distinguished research and teaching facility of East Carolina University School of Medicine, consisting of approximately 50 people.

This department provides an academic base for teacher-scientists employed by the School of Medicine at East Carolina University in the disciplines of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and other related disciplines. The department provides instruction to medical students and dental students, and provides instruction, guidance, and research experience to Ph.D. and M.S. students seeking degrees in microbiology and immunology. The department also offers a postdoctoral research training program. The department supports an array of faculty-directed research programs, many of which are supported by extramural grants and/or contracts. The department provides service to the school, university, state, nation, and to the profession through the activities of faculty members on committees, study sections, in professional organizations, as consultants, and through other activities.

The postdoctoral scholar will lead independent and collaborative research focused on the biology of spirochetes. Using Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira species as model organisms, the researcher will investigate the structure-function relationships of periplasmic flagella, mechanisms of gene regulation, the cyclicdiGMP signaling pathway, and factors contributing to bacterial virulence ( https://microbiology-immunology.ecu.edu/md-motaleb/).

Duties include: hypothesis and protocol development, literature review, collection of pilot data, report writing, supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, and new laboratory staff, review of data for quality control, supervision of data entry/data analysis, analysis of research hypothesis using descriptive and multivariate statistics, and the development of independent and collaborative presentations and publications.

Scholars are expected to demonstrate compliance with established guidelines and regulatory standards for research, including biosafety, responsible conduct of research, and human subjects training.

Approximately 90% of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to research.

Approximately 10% of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to managing the day-to-day activities of undergraduate and graduate research students in the laboratory.

PhD (or equivalent), English Proficiency, Excellent written and oral communication skills

None

PhD (or equivalent) degree in microbial genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or a related field. Experience working with animals is desired but not required.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach their CV or resume, cover letter, and names and contact information of 3 references. Appointments are typically for a one-year period. Five years (typically five appointments of one year) is typically the maximum total period that any individual may serve as a Scholar.

The University, in its sole discretion, has the option to renew or extend any appointment, subject to the availability of funds, past performance evaluations, and/or any other lawful reasons. For other information on the ECU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, please visit our website at: https://rede.ecu.edu/postdoctoral/

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.