Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Virology

Job title: Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Virology

About the Role A Postdoctoral Fellow in Molecular Virology is available in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Maged Hemida at the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine (LIU-CVM), New York. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research program investigating virus-host interactions and the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis within the One Health framework. Ongoing projects focus on emerging and zoonotic viruses affecting both human and animal health, including studies on viral pathogenesis, host immune responses, antiviral strategies, vaccine development, and computational approaches for infectious disease research. This position provides an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to develop an independent research portfolio while collaborating with multidisciplinary investigators in virology, immunology, molecular biology, veterinary medicine, and computational biology.

What You'll Do

• Design, plan, and execute independent research projects in molecular virology and virus-host interactions.
• Perform molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and recombinant DNA techniques.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins using bacterial and mammalian expression systems.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform viral infection experiments under appropriate biosafety conditions.
• Conduct molecular and cellular biology techniques including PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, Western blotting and immunoblotting, Immunofluorescence assays (IFA), confocal microscopy and fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, ELISA and immunological assays, RNA interference (siRNA/shRNA) and gene silencing, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing (preferred), and viral titration assays (TCID50, plaque assays, focus-forming assays).
• Perform nucleic acid and protein extraction, purification, and quantitative analyses.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics tools.
• Assist in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, transcriptomics, or viral genomics when applicable.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure proper organization, storage, and documentation of research data.
• Prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, conference abstracts, and presentations.
• Participate in the preparation of grant applications and progress reports.
• Mentor graduate, DVM, undergraduate, and visiting research students.
• Assist in laboratory management, including ordering supplies, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with institutional biosafety and laboratory safety regulations.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external research partners.

What We're Looking For

• A Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular virology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: virus-host interaction studies; reverse genetics systems; emerging and zoonotic viruses; viral immunology; flow cytometry and advanced microscopy; confocal microscopy and live-cell imaging; RNA sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS); bioinformatics and computational biology; protein structural biology; AI-assisted biological data analysis; multi-omics data integration; statistical programming using R, Python, or similar software.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits are not disclosed in the posting.