The College of Sciences is a diverse academic institution encompassing eight academic departments, eight joint doctoral programs, and a multitude of academic program areas. Additionally, it houses the California State University Program, the Education and Research in Biotechnology program, the Coastal Waters Institute, the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, the Molecular Biology Institute, and off-campus sites including the San Diego State University Field Stations and the Mt. Laguna Observatory. Within its ranks, the College boasts a dedicated faculty comprising over 260 full and part-time members, along with a support staff of 80 clerical and technical employees. Their interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing both teaching and research.

Leading the College is the Dean, who is assisted by two Associate Deans, an Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, a Resource Manager, and administrative support personnel. The Dean's Office takes responsibility for overseeing all facets of the College's operations, including the initiation, execution, and ongoing support of instructional and research initiatives, as well as planning for the College's future.

The Luallen Lab studies small transparent nematodes (including the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans) to easily visualize microbial colonization and infection in live animals, and easily manipulate genes to understand the role that host genetics plays in microbial interactions. Our research starts with ecological sampling to find novel microbes in wild nematodes. Then, we study them in the lab using biological and computational techniques in genetics, comparative genomics, biochemistry, microbiology, and microscopy. In the end, we hope to have a better understanding of the interactions and coevolution occurring between hosts and microbes, with the goal of discovering new ways to manipulate these interactions for the potential treatment of human and animal diseases.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Postdoctoral Researcher

We seek a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects. The successful candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions.

Under supervision of Dr. Luallen, this position is intended to provide mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in Microbiology and Genetics.

Examples of Post Doc responsibilities include assisting in data collection, management, analysis and dissemination; conducting highly specialized and advanced experiments; designing research protocols; summarizing research findings; mentoring undergraduate/graduate students; preparing manuscripts, attending conferences and presenting at conferences; Work may be performed in the field or in a laboratory setting.

Research Activities 55%

• Design, conduct, and analyze independent and collaborative research projects; collect and interpret data; maintain research records and ensure compliance with research protocols. 

 Manuscript & Grant Preparation 10%

• Prepare manuscripts for publication, contribute to grant proposals, literature reviews, and research reports.

Laboratory / Project Management 10%

• Maintain laboratory operations, equipment, databases, and research materials; assist with project coordination and regulatory compliance.

 Mentorship & Training 15%

• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and/or junior staff in research methods and best practices.

 Professional Development & Service 5%

• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, and participate in departmental meetings, committees, and collaborative activities.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to ongoing projects.
• Expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions.
• Expected to have extensive experience in both bacterial genetics and C. elegans genetics, as well as undergraduate training.

Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in an appropriate field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Strong hands-on experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in nematode maintenance, fluorescent microscopy, gene knockout in bacteria, plasmid engineering, and forward genetic screens is also expected.
• Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and reproducibility.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.