Postdoctoral Researcher

Summary

A Postdoctoral Researcher (with the possibility of continued support) is available in the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Department of Physiology in the Liu lab. The Liu lab aims to develop novel strategies for heart regeneration by integrating state-of-the-art omics approaches with genetic mouse models and human cell culture systems. Specifically, the postdoc will work on investigating molecular mechanisms of direct cardiac reprogramming and/or angiogenesis.

The postdoctoral fellow will create and follow an individualized development plan (IDP), conduct research studies, attend required courses/seminars, write grants, publish manuscripts, present oral presentations locally and nationally, and learn other skills necessary for a successful career in cardiovascular research. The postdoc, if eligible, is strongly encouraged to apply for the T32 postdoctoral fellowship offered by the Cardiovascular Center of MCW.

Continued support for this position will be based on annual performance review.

• Work under the mentorship of the principal investigator and mentoring team to develop research projects consistent with the aims of the research program. This would require a thorough investigation of background information pertinent to the research program and an ability to understand the theoretical basis of the work being performed.
• Under the guidance of the faculty mentor and mentoring team, create and follow an individualized development plan (IDP) with foundational elements including, but not limited to progressive responsibility, coordination across multiple levels of translation, interactions with other cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular scientists, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and specific coursework, seminars, and conferences for training in core competencies such as the ethical conduct of research, writing and critique of grants and manuscripts, study design and management, mentoring, teamwork, networking, and oral presentations.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments specific to the aims of research.
• Troubleshoot assays and customize experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinate external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan.
• Generate clear, complete, and timely records of experimental work.
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff to evaluate and interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and assess lab procedures.
• Communicate results of research at meetings and actively participate in publication of results.
• Attend pertinent research seminars and investigate new research articles at the request of principal investigator and on own volition.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative research team is required.
• Periodically mentor undergraduate and graduate student in a laboratory setting.

• Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics
• Documentation, records management , and data utilization
• Complex problem solving and critical thinking
• Resource management
• Writing skills

Minimum Required

Education:

PhD in life science or biomedical research fields, or MD

Minimum

Required Experience:

Previous postdoc experience not required. Experience in mammalian cell culture and common molecular techniques is required. Demonstrated Proficiency in written and spoken English, with a special emphasis on technical writing, is required.

Preferred Experience: Experience in generating multi-omics data and data analysis with R or other programming languages is desired but not required. Experience with maintaining mouse colonies, performing animal surgeries, and staining tissue samples is preferred. Cardiovascular biology and/or experience with OMICS approaches.

Required Certification/Licensure(s): Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) or similar Human Research Protections Certification and/or Required Animal Laboratory and use or other Biosafety Training to be completed in first month of employment.

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Occasional exposure to dust,…