Postdoctoral Fellow - Microbiology of Elizabethkingia and Mycobacterium
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Position announcement
Postdoctoral Fellow - Microbiologyof Elizabethkingia and Mycobacterium
The Department of Biochemistry and MolecularBiology invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral fellow.Position Description
The Department ofBiochemistry and Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University is looking fora postdoctoral research position to produce data in support of the researchefforts of faculty members within the department. This position will contributeto the undergrad and grad researcher training and participate in thedevelopment and preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewedjournals and abstracts for the submission to scientific meetings.

The postdoc hiredwill work with the Gustafson (https://experts.okstate.edu/john.gustafson) andCheng (https://experts.okstate.edu/ycheng)laboratories on two projects. One project will investigate a mechanism of multipleantimicrobial reduced susceptibility in Elizabethkingiaanophelis.  This project willdetermine how the vancomycin-selected mutation in the vancomycin-susceptibilityregulator 1 (vsr1) which leads tothe upregulation of the vsr1 -ORF551 operon contributes to vancomycin resistance and a multiple antimicrobialreduced susceptibility mechanism. The uncharacterized ORF551 is amembrane-spanning protein with a small phage shock protein conserved domainthat has never been shown to be associated with antimicrobial resistance. Wehypothesize that since vancomycin-resistance is a function of membranepermeability in Gram-negative organisms, it is likely that the antimicrobialresistance mechanism in the vancomycin-selected mutants involves altered drugpermeability.

The second NIH fundedproject intends to decipher the mechanisms of nontuberculous mycobacteria pathogenesisand the host defense to these organisms using cutting-edge technologies. The Mycobacterium abscessus complex representsemerging pathogens that are responsible for severe lung infections inindividuals suffering from bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease and cystic fibrosis. The mechanism on how mycobacterial infection leadsto the disease remains to be elucidated. The first project will identify newtargets for the development of novel Gram-negative antimicrobials while thesecond project intends to facilitate the development of novel antimycobacterialdrugs and produce data that furthers our knowledge of the interactions of Mycobacterium with host cells.

Salary Information
A competitive salary plus benefits, excluding retirement, will be offered. Check out ourcompetitive benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html. 

Employment Conditions
Thisis an 11-month temporary 100% research,non-tenure track position.  Appointments are to be made for a term of oneyear or less.  Reappointments for a totalperiod of not more than two years may be made. Review ofapplications will begin August 12,2024 and continue until the position is filled with a suitableapplicant. Anticipated start date is between August 2024 and September 2025(start date is somewhat flexible).

Qualifications
Required qualifications: Applicants must havea Ph.D. inMicrobiology or a related discipline, a good work ethic, and the ability tomultitask; experience working with bacterial pathogens (BSL-2 biosafety),microbial physiology and molecular biology, bacterial genome manipulation, andcell culture; and exceptional writing skills andthe ability to work independently while guiding student researchers

Application
To apply:  Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu(search by keyword reqxxxx)
Applicants should submit:  1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing theirexperience and research expertise related to the above project goals andrequired qualifications, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information forthree references.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dr. John E. Gustafson
Oklahoma State University
Department of Biochemistry and MolecularBiology
405-744-9319
john.gustafson@okstate.edu

About the Department
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) providesexceptional undergraduate and graduate programs that produce students who aresuccessful in multiple endeavors, from matriculation into medical and lifescience graduate research programs, to finding research positions in academe,industry and government. Faculty in the department also conduct research innumerous areas such as plant biochemistry, microbiology, science education, bioinformatics,and cancer and cell biology.

The Department of BMB's mission is to add to anddisseminate understanding of science related to the molecular basis of life insupport of the missions of DASNR and OSU. It does so in three ways. First, BMBcontributes the expertise of its members to research endeavors inDASNR-supported projects. Though sometimes the contribution is through informalconsultation, often it is by full collaborative participation in theseprojects. Second, BMB maintains facilities, equipment, and services essentialfor modern molecular biological research and makes these available to allDASNR-supported researchers and researchers throughout the university. Third,through its formal teaching program and its workshop program, BMB providestraining in the molecular analysis of life processes that prepares students tojoin active research teams or health professions as productive members. BMBsees itself at the center of life science research, able to bring togetherdiverse interests for the advancement of society and humankind. For moreinformation, visit: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departments-programs/biochemistry/?Forwarded=biochemistry.okstate.edu/

Tolearn more about Stillwater and OSU, visit these websites.
https://www.okstate.edu
https://www.visitstillwater.org
https://www.stillwaterchamber.org

Equal Employment Opportunity
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complieswith all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination andaffirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equalopportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race,religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation,gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard toemployment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For moreinformation, visit eeo.okstate.edu.