The Pan lab in Occupational and Environmental Health is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD to join our team as a postdoctoral researcher. For this position, we seek to reduce the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases through mechanistic studies of inactivation methods and the design and validation of engineering interventions. Respiratory pathogens are primarily carried in aerosols or droplets, which can spread through the air or settle on surfaces and transmit via fomites. We aim to disinfect pathogen-laden aerosols and droplets in the environment to prevent human exposure to these infectious respiratory particles. Meanwhile, we also aim to understand human safety of various intervention approaches via animal models or conducting human subjects research.

The initial appointment will be for one year beginning as soon as possible, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and available funding. For more information about the lab, visit: https://pan.lab.uiowa.edu/.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and conduct original research projects in collaboration with the PI and lab members.


• Maintain detailed record keeping of their experiments in lab notebooks.


• Maintain laboratory instruments.


• Prepare and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.


• Present research findings at national and international conferences.


• Mentor postbaccalaureate interns and graduate students.


• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to the broader scientific community.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience and meets or exceeds NIH/NRSA minimum guidelines, as required by the University of Iowa.

The employing department may pay beyond the NIH minimum if the budget allows. For full wage details, see: grad.uiowa.edu/postdoctoral-affairs/postdoctoral-employment-standards/wages.

• Comprehensive health insurance (UIGRADCare or SHIP) and dental plan.


• Mandatory retirement plan participation.


• University Workers’ Compensation coverage.


• Fifteen days paid leave and 18 days of sick time per 12-month appointment period, plus time off on University holidays.


• Opportunities for co-authorships on publications and conference presentations.


• Access to professional development resources and career mentoring through the UI Graduate College.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environmental Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Inhalation Toxicology, or a related field with a strong publication record.

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation.


• Experience with aerosol measurement and characterization OR experience with respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza virus) OR experience with animal inhalation exposure.


• Common techniques in molecular biology, such as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR/qPCR.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.


• Eagerness to learn new skills and interdisciplinary approaches.

• Experience with biological aerosol characterization and measurement.


• Experience with bioinformatics.


• Primary mouse and human lung cell isolation and culturing.


• Prior experience mentoring undergraduate or postbaccalaureate researchers.


• Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R).