BACTERIAL ENGINEER IN THE ZARRINPAR LAB: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF SPECIFIC BACTERIAL FUNCTIONS ON HOST METABOLISM AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES - UC San Diego

Postdoctoral

GENERAL SUMMARY / OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

A Post-doctoral position (PhD) or a Staff Research Scientist (MS or PhD) position is available in the laboratory of Amir Zarrinpar, MD, PhD, at University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, CA. The lab is interested in the intersection of circadian biology, gut physiology, and the gut microbiome and how the three interact to cause obesity, diabetes, steatohepatitis, dyslipidemia, and other gut‐mediated diseases. We investigate the development of pathology as a dynamic process in a basic science and translational setting.

Specifically, we are interested in the reciprocal interaction between the luminal environment (both the gut microbiome and the content) and the gut and how the two maintain physiological homeostasis and contribute to disease. Functional manipulation of the luminal environment is performed with a novel engineered bacteria platform that allows long-standing changes with a single treatment, essentially allowing us to “knock-in” genes into the gut microbiome to study their effects on host physiological processes. This research is performed primarily in animal models, with the potential to move into clinical populations. This position will focus on designing and engineering bacteria to functionally manipulate the gut microbiome and, with it, host physiology. With the help of the incumbent, the laboratory will be able to study the effects of specific bacterial functions and to test whether functional manipulations of the gut microbiome can lead to therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Many of the bacteria being modified are native E. coli strains that have mechanisms that protect their DNA from modification. Hence, the incumbent should be experienced with multiple methods of bacterial recombineering and for troubleshooting through problems.

Creativity, initiative, and persistence will be absolutely essential characteristics for the successful candidate. Additionally, we are looking for enthusiastic, self‐motivated individuals who thrive in a fast‐paced challenging startup research environment and can multitask and interact well with others as part of a cohesive team. If you have the desire to make a significant impact in patients’ lives, the drive to work hard, and the ingenuity to work smart, you will succeed within this team.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Independently design and engineer native bacteria to optimally express specific phenotypes and recombinant proteins using a variety of strategies.

2. Conduct experiments to characterize the in vitro and, with assistance, in vivo properties of constructed bacterial strains.

3. Propose and prioritize next steps for strain improvement and systematically trouble-shoot technical hurdles.

4. As appropriate, identify, pursue, and implement new technologies to support and expand internal capabilities.

5. Constructively contribute ideas, suggestions, insights at project meetings and ad hoc regarding functional manipulation of the gut microbiome.

6. Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental design and methods as well as experimental results.

7. Ability to communicate and teach complex bioengineering approaches/strategies to researchers in the laboratory.

 

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience or M.S. with 5+ years’ experience or equivalent in relevant bacterial genetics/microbiology field.
  • Background in molecular microbiology, experience in prokaryotic recombinant gene expression, bacterial physiology, genetics and strain construction.
  • Familiarity with handling BSL-2 bacteria, mammalian cell culture, and sterile technique
  • Experience in the development and performance of biochemical and mammalian/bacterial cell-based assays.
  • The ability to design/troubleshoot/ validate assays, and critically analyze assay data.
  • Excellent technical and computer skills; familiarity with current molecular techniques and software, including the ability to design/construct. plasmids, genetically manipulate bacterial strains, and analyze sequence data for cloning purposes. Routine experience with Western blots, ELISAs, PCR, qPCR.
  • Prior experience in recombinant gene expression in bacteria, proficiency in cloning/plasmid construction, and bacterial strain construction are absolutely required.
  • Knowledge of bacterial physiology, genetics and experience with multiple species are highly desired. Experience working with gut bacteria a plus.
  • Ideal candidates will be self‐motivated and have ambitions to further develop their scientific and career skills. They will have a desire to be challenged, to learn, and to create new scientific strategies. They will be aided in these efforts with co-mentorship by world-leading experts in the field.
  • In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, candidates will have the opportunity to learn and develop research publications and presentations.
  • Effective candidates are expected to develop independent projects over time.

 

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

  • Ability to work productively and develop cohesive team relationships
  • Development of bioengineering strategies with the ability troubleshoot through problems.
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Must be able to logically and effectively structure tasks and set priorities
  • Must be able to respond effectively to constructive feedback
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze data statistically and to present it logically
  • Energy, enthusiasm, and a positive outlook
  • Desire to improve clinical outcomes and patient health
Contact:
Name:
Amir Zarrinpar, Ph.D.
Email: