Research Scholar

Position Definition:

A postdoctoral scholar (Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D.) is needed to advance projects to investigate the mechanisms, primarily in the human airway, that allow respiratory pathogens, particularly fungal pathogens, to cause disease. These projects involve implementing and developing laboratory assays to apply to samples from infected and uninfected individuals, as well as the culture and manipulation of microbes. This position is in training with the Principal Investigator.

Essential Functions:

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


• Review pertinent medical literature


• Design and execute experiments using cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques


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


• Perform molecular biology procedures, including DNA and RNA isolation, reverse transcription, PCR, qPCR and qRT-PCR, ELISA, FISH, sequencing library prep, and possibly others


• Perform cell culture procedures, including culture of cell lines and primary cells, transfection, in vitro infection, fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, single cell analysis methods, and possibly other techniques


• Implement, troubleshoot, optimize, and develop new assays, making innovative contributions to laboratory procedures


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


• Maintain a detailed written record of work performed


• Perform analysis of experiment results and findings, including data collection, entry, statistical analysis (including computational analysis of sequencing data using R and/or Python), and graph creation


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


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


• Assist with the composition of grant applications


• Adhere to data security requirements


• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

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


• 2+ years of related work experience desirable


• Knowledge of principles and practice of cellular and molecular biology


• Working knowledge of safety standards in laboratories


• Solid interpersonal skills


• 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 meet deadlines


• Ability to think creatively and solve problems


• Ability to work under minimal supervision


• Strong written/oral communication skills


• Computer literacy with full working knowledge of MS Word or Overleaf/LaTeX, Excel, PowerPoint/Keynote, R, and graphing software


• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical analyses.


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

Working Conditions/Environment:

The work environment is a biomedical research laboratory. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.

VA Onboarding Requirements:

NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law.  The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

The base wage range for this position is $68,640.00 - $79,639.96 per year. Salary and rank will commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation’s Veterans.