Job no: 520720
Work type: Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Biology
Union: Post Doc
Categories: Laboratory & Research, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Research, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Skouta research group (https://www.umass.edu/biology/about/directories/faculty/rachid-skouta) covers chemical biology, and in vivo studies. The major interest of the lab is the development of small molecule inducers of ferroptosis cell death with well-defined target(s) for cancer therapeutics. Ferroptosis is a recently emerged novel cell death that may complement the known programmed cell death (PMID: 27159577; PMID: 24592866; PMID: 35453641).

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and dedicated individual to join our research team focused on studying the toxicity and efficacy of small molecules in vivo. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in evaluating the safety and effectiveness of novel compounds for potential therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will be involved in the evaluation of the efficacy study of small molecules inducing ferroptosis in mice for the development of better therapeutic treatments. The appointee is expected to establish some independence in research design and execution, and to publish the lab work as appropriate in collaboration with the principal investigator.

Essential Functions

• In Vivo Study Design: Proficiency in designing and planning in vivo studies, including dose selection, route of administration, and appropriate animal models.
• Animal Handling and Care: Experience in handling and caring for laboratory animals, including proper animal welfare practices, dosing techniques, and sample collection procedures.
• Toxicology Assessment: Understanding of toxicology study design and execution, including acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity studies, as well as assessment of organ toxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity.
• Biomarker Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing biomarkers to assess the efficacy and safety of small molecules, including the use of various assays, immunoassays, and molecular techniques.
• Cell Culture: Experience in maintaining and culturing mammalian cells, including cell line generation, transfection, and cell-based assays for assessing the effects of small molecules on cellular processes.
• Western Blotting (WB): Strong expertise in performing Western blot experiments, including protein gel electrophoresis, transfer, blocking, antibody incubation, detection, and quantification.
• Protein Extraction and Purification: Knowledge of protein extraction techniques from various samples, such as cells or tissues, and proficiency in protein purification methods, such as affinity chromatography or immunoprecipitation.
• Study Monitoring and Data Collection: Experience in monitoring studies, collecting and managing data, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret data generated from in vivo studies, including statistical analysis, dose-response relationships, and correlation analysis.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and requirements for conducting in vivo studies, including Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) regulations.
• Scientific Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document and present study findings, prepare reports, and contribute to scientific publications.

Additional Information

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences .

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• The successful candidate must have a PhD in Biology or a related field before start date of appointment.
• At least three (3) years of lab experience working with mice models is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Highly motivated and experienced researcher with a strong background in studying the toxicity and efficacy of small molecules in vivo.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Manual dexterity and laboratory skills consistent with the research being performed using mice models.

Work Schedule

• Full time position 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday, flexible hours.
• Some nights and weekends required.

Salary Information

• Salary will follow the current UMass guidelines for postdoctoral fellows: Postdoc PRO CBA.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a letter of application, cv, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations (https://www.cns.umass.deu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Sep 20 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: