Research Postdoctoral Fellow

A Research Postdoctoral Fellow position is available at the Center for Genetic Medicine Research at Children's Research Institute in Washington, D.C. The candidate should have a PhD degree or equivalent with experience in working with animal models, especially in the context of cardiac and muscle diseases is desired. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques such as ultrasound and optical imaging, single cell spatial transcriptomics, gene therapy and others. Efficient communication and organizational skills and ability to work in collaborative research teams are essential. Salary will be commensurate with experience and competitive benefits are provided. Applications will be reviewed immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

The Research Postdoctoral Fellow is a "research trainee" for the purpose of enhancing and developing research competencies in laboratory or clinical research settings and may engage in any of the following activities. The research postdoctoral fellow will assist faculty in the conduct of research and reports to a principal investigator. They may serve in several roles in the laboratory setting, depending on the scientific specialty and needs of the research project supported. They may participate directly in the design and conduct of experiments and therefore need technical knowledge and subject matter expertise encompassing several disciplines, such as molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, muscle physiology or animal science, as well as health services research, clinical research, trial design and human subject protection. Based on experience, the research postdoctoral fellow may train staff, graduate students and others in experimental procedures and study execution. The fellow will exercise general supervision in the workspace and assist with data management and analysis. In addition, the research postdoc fellow will be responsible for assisting the principal investigator in the planning and execution of research projects, grant applications and publications. They may further assist in the management of resource allocations, and may manage day-to-day activities for the research project, such as purchasing, oversight of laboratory animals, research biosafety issues, and regulatory reporting. The individual may also guide or lead the work of peers, technicians or other research support staff as necessary to achieve specific assignments or complete large and complex projects.

Minimum Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Required) Or
Medical Doctor (M.D.) (Required) Or

Required Skills/Knowledge
Completed training in a specialty in a field of research.
Demonstrated potential for successful career in research and related scholarly achievement.

Functional Accountabilities
Responsible Conduct of Research

• Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.

• Plans, conducts and manages research projects within federal and institutional regulations and policies under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Uses research funds and resources appropriately.

• Maintains confidentiality of data as required.

• Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.

Commitment to Research

• Conducts research of significant scientific value in the basic and/or translational science area(s) relevant practice specialty.

• Participates in reviewing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

• Publishes in peer-reviewed, scientific, quality and management journals.

• Submits applications for grants or contracts for funding of research projects.

• Participates in research committees and workshops special interest groups.

Collaborations

• Collaborates effectively with CNRI researchers, external agencies and institutions to develop cooperative research initiatives, promote free discussion, research progress, skills productivity and morale with internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.

Program Support

• Assists the principal investigator in the planning and execution research projects, grant applications and publications.

• May train technical staff, graduate students and others in laboratory procedures, provide general supervision in the laboratory and assist with data management and analysis, based on experience.

• May assist in the management of resource allocations, and may manage day-to-day activities in the laboratory, such as purchasing, oversight of laboratory animals, radioactivity, and biosafety issues.
• May guide or lead the work of peers, technicians or other diverse support staff as necessary to achieve specific assignments or complete large and complex projects.
• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

• Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

• Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

• Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

• Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

• Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

• Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance