Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Overview:

New Jersey’s academic health center, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) takes an integrated approach to educating students, providing clinical care, and conducting research, all with the goal of improving human health. Aligned with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and collaborating university wide, RBHS includes eight schools, a behavioral health network, and five centers and institutes that focus on cancer treatment and research, neuroscience, advanced biotechnology and medicine, environmental and occupational health, and health care policy and aging research.

Our faculty are teachers, clinicians, and scientists with unparalleled experience who advance medical innovation and provide patient care informed by the latest research findings. We offer an outstanding education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nursing, biomedical research, and the full spectrum of allied health careers.

Our clinical and academic facilities are located throughout the state—at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, including Piscataway, and at locations in Newark, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Stratford, and other locations. Clinical partners include Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Newark’s University Hospital in Newark, and other affiliates.

Through this community of healers, scientists, and scholars, Rutgers is equipped as never before to transform lives.

Rutgers RBHS is an anchor institution that boasts locations in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise.

Posting Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Center for Immunity and Inflammation (CII) at the New Jersey Medical School. Under the direction of Principal Investigator, Dr. Tania Wong, the Postdoctoral Research Scientist will conduct research in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), lipidomics, and metabolomics using a new Waters DESI-Synapt XS and Acquity Premier LC system. The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will also perform standard laboratory procedures and analyses to support specialized research initiatives within the laboratory. Experience in MSI is desirable. Preferred expertise includes proficiency in using the Waters DESI source, UPLC and Synapt XS platforms.

Dr. Wong’s research focuses on understanding the impact of host-pathogen metabolic interactions on the outcomes of infections caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our approach is translational, encompassing the utilization of laboratory strains and clinical isolates in both in vitro and in vivo infection models to address questions with clinical significance. We employ cutting-edge omics technologies, such as single-cell RNA-Seq, dual RNA-Seq, metabolomics, and mass spectrometry imaging to dissect the intricate interplay between host and pathogen. We focus particularly on the immunometabolic pathways exploited by bacterial pathogens to establish themselves in the human lung. If you are passionate about advancing our understanding of host-pathogen interactions and have the expertise and enthusiasm to contribute to our research endeavors, we invite you to apply for this Postdoctoral Research Scientist position.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Design and Implementation

• Design, plan, and execute mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) experiments and/or LC/MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics studies Prepare samples, set up instrumentation, and ensure adherence to established protocols, safety standards, and project timelines Troubleshoot experiments and optimize methodologies as needed

Data Processing and Analysis

• Process and analyze MSI and LC/MS data using appropriate software for visualization, quantification, and interpretation Generate high-quality images, figures, and analyses for publications, presentations, and grant applications

Instrumentation Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Maintain MSI and LC/MS instrumentation to ensure reliable and optimal performance. Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues, coordinating with vendors for repairs and upgrades when necessary

Research Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate on research projects, discussing data and developing new ideas or concepts. Present findings at national and international scientific conferences. Contribute to scientific manuscripts and funding proposals
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others

Laboratory Operations and Mentorship

• Support the efficient operation of the laboratory by managing supply orders and participating in communal lab duties Provide guidance and technical support to graduate students, summer scholars, and other lab personnel Maintain detailed and organized records of experimental procedures and uphold data backup protocols Conduct all scientific work in a responsible and ethical manner

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field
• Documented experience in MSI, LC/MS-based lipidomics or, metabolomics

Proficiency with Waters DESI and Synapt platforms is preferred