Postdoctoral Scholar

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:  

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.  
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.  
• Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or [email protected].

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) [R0145136].

We are seeking a motivated postdoc to join the Zhivagui Lab. Our lab uses computational and experimental methods to determine mechanism-based biomarkers for exposure and risk stratification to advance the understanding of cancer causation and tumorigenesis. The Zhivagui Lab focuses on cancer genomics for cancer prevention. 

The incumbent will perform cellular and molecular lab work for projects investigating genomic and epigenomic alterations linked to cancer mechanisms, with a focus on biomarker discovery and validation.

We are specifically looking for a postdoc to spearhead experimental projects at the intersection of cancer genomics and experimental modelling. The postdoc will apply and optimize new approaches for NGS library preparation and analyze genomic data for variant calling. We value diversity of backgrounds in our team and seek candidates who can commit to a multiyear appointment, reviewed annually.

ROLE of the POSITION

• Design and execute experiments using molecular and cell biology techniques

• Process human biological samples, including isolation of cells from blood and tissues; store and ship samples

• Perform molecular biology procedures, including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, ddPCR, next generation sequencing, and possibly others

• Perform NGS library preparations, such as whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing, 10x RNA-seq, etc.

• Perform cell culture procedures, including culture of primary cells, flow cytometry, single cell analysis methods, and possibly other techniques

• Implement, trouble-shoot, optimize, and develop new assays, making innovative contributions to laboratory procedures

• Assist with training of research methods and approaches to laboratory group

• Maintain detailed written record of work performed

• Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, statistical analysis, and graph creation

• Produce written reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results; draft manuscripts of results for publication

• Present oral and/or poster reports at laboratory, local, and national meetings

• Assist with composition of grant applications.

• Assist in maintaining and monitoring all equipment and procedures for quality control

• Review pertinent medical literature

PROFILE of the OFFICE OF POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS (OPA)

The mission of the UNLV Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is to enhance and support postdoctoral training and career development; serve as the central resource office for postdoctoral questions and issues for faculty, supervisors, mentors, and prospective and current postdocs; build a community for all UNLV postdocs; and provide professional development programs and networking events for postdocs.

UNLV currently employs postdoctoral scholars across a wide range of disciplines. Learn more about UNLV’s postdoctoral scholars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a doctorate degree, PhD, MD, or MD/PhD from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and experience in NGS technologies and genomic analysis.

Job requirements include:

• PhD in biological related science, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience in high-throughput screening, next-generation sequencing, or bioinformatics.

• Experience in cell culture of primary and stem cells. Preference for experience with iPSCs and organoids.

• Knowledge of principles and practice of cellular and molecular biology

• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories

• Excellent organizational skills

• Careful attention to detail; ability to accurately follow experimental protocols

• Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities to achieve desired goals.

• Ability to think creatively, solve problems, and meet deadlines

• Ability to work under minimal supervision

• Strong written/oral communication skills

• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical analyses.

• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY RANGE

Salary commensurate with labor market and appointing authority’s availability of funds. 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package including:

  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision

  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs

• No state income tax

• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools

• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

• UNLV athletics ticket discounts

• Statewide employee purchase program discounts

• RebelCard discounts on and off campus

• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost

• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles

• Connect with colleagues with shared interests

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard

• Support and resources available for veteran applicants — contact [email protected] or visit our Veterans Webpage.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed  curriculum vitae (CV) listing qualifications and experience, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Materials should be addressed to Dr. Maria Zhivagui.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Workday. Please note that emailed materials will not be accepted.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. UNLV values the skills of those who have served. Learn more at Veterans Webpage or contact [email protected] for support.

For assistance with the application process, please review instructions on How to Apply. For further assistance contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or [email protected].

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0145136” in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 34,000 students and more than 4,451 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 186,000 degrees, producing more than 151,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity, and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual listing of the nation's most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Mail Stop 1062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Campus Services Building (CSB) Room 246, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: [email protected], or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: [email protected]; or to both. 

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Postdoctoral Scholar

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.