Summary

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.

Primary Responsibilities

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.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

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

Qualifications

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).

Physical Requirements

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

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
403B Retirement Package
Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Parental Leave
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Pet Insurance
On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

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.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

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.

Medical College of Wisconsin

Postdoctoral Researcher - Pediatric Infectious Diseases

About the job