Postdoctoral Fellow - Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Dr. Satchin Panda

This postdoctoral position will perform fly genetics, molecular biology, immunohistology, and behavior analysis related to circadian rhythm and human disease model in Satchidananda Panda’s lab.

 1) Supervisory 

The postdoc will directly supervise, research assistants, programmers, data scientists, and students in RBIO-P lab working on Drosophila circadian rhythms and nutrition timing related studies. S/he may also manage ongoing collaborations and set up new collaborations with other national and international labs. S/he will be responsible for hiring new staff to account for staff turnover, train new staff, oversee knowledge transfer between staff and prepare manuals of operations for applicable projects.

2) Regulatory compliance 

The postdoc will carry out experiments in compliance with institutional, local, national and international guidelines and laws.

3) Experimental

The candidate will be part of the Drosophila research team in the Panda lab carrying out experiments outlined in two federally funded grants to study the impact of nutrition and circadian rhythm on brain function using Drosophila models of human neurodegenerative diseases. S/he will also explore new models and methods to prepare preliminary data for future fellowship and grant applications. S/he will analyze data, interpret outcomes and prepare reports and manuscripts.

4) Grant and manuscript preparation 

The postdoc will assist the PI and collaborators in preparing grant applications for federal and non-federal funding agencies. S/he is also expected to write independent fellowship applications.

EXPERIENCE

 Required:

•  Relevant research experience including (but not limited to): circadian rhythms, cardiometabolic health, nutrition, and Drosophila genetics. Strong foundation in using Drosophila and related insects in basic science research as evidenced by first author peer-reviewed research publication is necessary.

Preferred:

• Experience with Drosophila and allied insects in nutrition studies.
• Developing novel assays to measure insect nutrition intake, or nutrition preference.
• Experience in the collection and analyses of RNA-seq and other omics datasets.
• Training and supervising undergrads, technicians, and computer programmers/data scientists.
• Familiarity with statistical analyses tools.
• Experience in writing NIH and non-NIH grant applications.
• Deep knowledge of circadian rhythm demonstrated by publications in the field.

EDUCATION

 Required:

• PhD. in biomedical science or allied fields.

 Preferred:

•  Post baccalaureate Certificate in cognitive science, or data science.

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 Required:

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and oversee independent research. This includes the ability to (a) develop, maintain, execute, and complete research projects of varying size and scope; (b) critically read, understand, and extract information from published medical, chemical, and biological literature to prepare background information for scientific abstracts, manuscripts, lectures, and grant proposals; (c) perform basic data and statistical analysis; and (d) produce high-quality abstracts, manuscripts, lectures, and grant applications.
• Ability to independently design experiments and debug protocols.
• Ability to manage and track large numbers of samples meticulously without mix-up or cross contamination.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with both PC and MAC operating systems, standard business office equipment and commonly used software and tools, such as Microsoft Office, electronic mail, and the internet.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; interact with all levels of management and employees across multiple departments.
• Ability to communicate and act as a liaison with a diverse audience of professionals. Demonstrated ability to supervise and train students and other technicians.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and assist with writing scientific papers and grants.
• Ability to review the scientific literature and apply to experimental design
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent written skills and knowledge of English language, including grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Excellent oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, tactfully, and patiently in person, on the telephone, and in writing to a diverse group of people (including researchers, administrators, industry representatives) in the academic, scientific, medical, and commercial communities.
• Ability to maintain and develop successful collaborations with other labs nationally and internationally.

Preferred:

•  Theoretical knowledge of circadian rhythm sciences; concepts in circadian rhythms across kingdoms, entrainment pathways and mechanisms, circadian output rhythms.
• Theoretical knowledge of nutrition science including the impact of quality, quantity and timing of nutrition on various health parameters.

The full postdoctoral salary range for wet lab opportunities is $70,000-$77,500 (see below). This range covers the entire postdoctoral training period; recent Ph.D. graduates should expect an offer at or close to $70,000 (minimum of the salary range). Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Experience Level/TierSalk Postdoc Salary0$70,0001$71,5002$73,0003$74,5004$76,0005$77,500

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.