Postdoctoral Associate 531898 Blacksburg, Virginia Biomedical Science Research Faculty College of Veterinary Medicine Job Description Looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated postdoctoral associate to join the Kehn-Hall Lab! The Kehn-Hall lab performs research on emerging viruses, including Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Venezuelan equine encephalitic virus (VEEV), and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). The
candidate will be responsible for performing cutting edge research to identify FDA approved drugs that can be repurposed for viruses with pandemic potential. This includes working closely with computer scientists to utilize published “omics” datasets and machine learning approaches to identify FDA approved drugs that target key dysregulated pathways/proteins in virally infected cells. The candidate will also assist
with the development of liver and/or brain organoid cultures including iPSC-based organoids. Candidate FDA approved drugs will be tested using organoid systems and animal models of infection. The initial focus will be on RVFV, but may be extended to other emerging viruses. The research project is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary involving virologists, computer scientists, and chemical engineers. The
candidate, one of six new postdoctoral fellows to be hired within the newly NSF-funded COMPASS Center, will have the opportunity to collaborate with other scientists within the center to tackle complex cross-disciplinary problems in the prevention and control of emerging viruses with pandemic and epidemic potentials. Required Qualifications • PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field. PhD
must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining. • Experience working with RNA viruses • Proficient in cell culture and in vitro viral techniques (infections, plaque assays, generation of virus through reverses genetics systems)• Possess molecular and/or protein biology skills, including experience with RT-qPCR, western blotting,
immunoprecipitations, DNA/RNA extractions, plasmid prep, molecular cloning, and transfections. • Capable of receiving Security Risk Assessment (SRA) approval • Experience independently organizing and conducting complex procedures and experiments with minimal supervision • Should be enthusiastic and dedicated, have the ability and interest in learning new techniques; must be able to follow verbal and written
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