Research Scientist (Kelada Lab)

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Dr. Samir Kelada's Laboratory in the Department of Genetics in the UNC School of Medicine is seeking a Research Scientist position.The Kelada Lab's research is aimed at identifying gene-environment interactions with air pollution exposure that affect the development and progression of respiratory diseases. The primary purpose of this new position is to design, execute and analyze experiments using mouse models of air pollution-induced respiratory disease, with a focus on identifying genetic and genomic predictors of adverse responses.

Working with the Supervisor and other the lab members, the research scientist will oversee large-scale projects that involve measuring pulmonary and immune responses to air pollution across inbred strains of mice, using a variety of measurement approaches including flow cytometry, and isolating specific cell types of interest by flow sorting for subsequent analysis of gene expression and potentially epigenomic endpoints (e.g., chromatin accessibility). Thereafter, the research scientist will carry out both basic and complex statistical analyses of the data, including characterizing the effect of air pollution exposure on pulmonary and immune responses, analysis of differential gene expression in specific cell types, and in some cases carry out spatial transcriptomic analyses of specific lung regions. Finally, the research scientist will conduct quantitative genetic analysis (i.e., QTL mapping) of specific endpoints measured in mouse experimental crosses.

In addition to carrying out these research projects, the research scientist will also be expected to lead efforts to present the results of these projects in lab meetings and conferences. Thus, strong scientific communication skills are fundamental for this position.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Post-doctoral fellowship in a related field and/or experience in other industry or government setting.

PhD in genetics/molecular biology or toxicology/environmental health.

Experience with mouse models of environmentally-induced pulmonary disease, including phenotyping using bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue collection

Flow cytometry and FACS sorting of cellular populations isolated from the murine lung and other organs.

Demonstrated proficiency with standard statistical approaches for biomedical data using R software

Demonstrated proficiency in analysis of bulk RNA-seq data using R software, including visualization approaches

Proficiency with design spatial transcriptomics experiments and resulting data analysis

Experience with quantitative trait locus mapping methods in experimental crosses

Experience in giving scientific presentations

The candidate will be required to perform lab tasks and procedures that involve physical dexterity. The applicant must be willing to work with and handle mice, including performing dissections.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.