As a Postdoctoral Researcher, and according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), a postdoc is an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced research training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. In addition, according to the National Postdoc Association (NPA), Postdoctoral appointees can pursue basic, clinical or translational projects so long as their primary effort is devoted toward their own scholarship. Postdocs are essential to the scholarly mission of the mentor and host institution, and thus are expected to have the freedom to publish the results of their scholarship.
Plan, design, and execute complex research studies, procedures, and protocols.
Lead and manage assigned discovery and research projects, coordinating all study activities.
Organize, synthesize, and analyze research data; interpret and evaluate results.
Prepare and present scientific reports, findings, and manuscripts.
Collaborate with the principal investigator and research staff to develop methodologies and refine lab procedures.
Maintain lab supplies, negotiate with vendors as needed, and track purchase orders.
Provide training, daily direction, and mentorship to laboratory personnel; delegate tasks and establish priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Scientific Knowledge:
Biology, chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
Laboratory and Technical Skills:
Molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, RT-PCR, cloning, sequencing)
Mammalian cell culture (primary cells and continuous lines); aseptic technique
Virological assays (viral propagation, titration such as plaque assays or TCID50, neutralization assays)
Immunological methods (ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy)
Basic bioinformatics and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, GraphPad)
Research and Analytical Abilities:
Experimental design and troubleshooting
Complex problem solving and critical thinking
Data interpretation and utilization
Knowledge of biosafety regulations and adherence to BSL-2/BSL-3 protocols
Documentation, records management, and regulatory compliance
Professional and Communication Skills:
Scientific writing (progress updates, manuscripts, grant proposals)
Verbal communication and ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences
Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams; ability to mentor junior trainees
Resource and time management to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects
Minimum Required Education: PhD in a scientific field or MD
Minimum Required Experience: 0 years
Preferred Experience: Prior virology research experience (e.g., pathogenesis, antiviral drug development, vaccine studies).Familiarity with animal models for viral infection (if applicable). Record of scientific publications or conference presentations and experience preparing grant proposals and regulatory submissions (e.g., IBC).
Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.
Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.
Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.
For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview
For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers
At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
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The mission of the Medical College of Wisconsin is to be a national leader in the education and development of the next generation of physicians and scientists; to discover and translate new knowledge in the biomedical sciences; to provide cutting-edge, interdisciplinary and compassionate clinical care of the highest quality; to improve the health of the communities we serve. Founded in 1893 as the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons. Formerly associated with Marquette University.