Postdoctoral Scholar

Physics is a science that deals with matter, energy and their interactions. The Physics Department at East Carolina University offers undergraduate programs leading to the BS that prepare students for traditional careers in Physics. We also offer more flexible programs leading to the BA and the BS in Applied Physics ( BSAP) that can result in careers in numerous professions including engineering and medicine. The Department also presents a range of courses that address the Liberal Arts Foundation requirements in the natural sciences for undergraduate students in disciplines other than Physics.

At the graduate level and in research, the major emphasis is on the application of Health Physics approaches to the life sciences. We offer programs leading to the MS with options in Applied Physics and Medical Physics, the latter in close collaboration with the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Brody School of Medicine. We also offer a Ph.D. program in Biomedical Physics. In keeping with the biological and medical emphasis of these graduate programs, the research of many of our faculty is oriented towards Biological and Biomedical Physics, two of the fastest growing subdisciplines of the profession. Our research interests include experimental, theoretical and computational approaches to problems in acoustics, lasers, spectroscopy and atomic beams. Our faculty collaborate with colleagues in many other units including Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and the Brody School of Medicine, as well as at other institutions.
Physics is not the easiest field of study within the University, but the dynamic, multidisciplinary environment of the ECU Physics Department, makes it one of the most interesting and rewarding.

The postdoctoral scholar will work in the biophysical hemostasis laboratory of Dr. Nathan Hudson at East Carolina University as part of projects funded by the NIH and NSF.

Goal of this project is to develop recombinant protein expression systems for blood coagulation proteins and to characterize their biophysical and structural properties. Laboratories at ECU include state-of-the-art facilities for expressing and purifying proteins as well as capabilities for biophysical characterization. We also collaborate with NIEHS Molecular Microscopy Consortium, which provides facilities for the structural characterization of these proteins.

The postdoctoral scholar is responsible for independent and collaborative development, implementation, and analysis of scientific research in these disciplines. Responsibilities include management of all aspects of this research project. Duties include: mammalian cell growth, protein expression and purification, biophysical characterization, data entry / data analysis, report writing, supervising of undergraduate research students and graduate research students, and the development of independent and collaborative presentations and publications with minimal supervision.

Scholars are expected to demonstrate compliance with established guidelines and regulatory standards for research including biosafety, chemical and radiation safety, responsible conduct of research and human subjects training.

Approximately 80 % of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to executing the research plan.

Approximately 20 % of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to managing the laboratory and the day-to-day activity of the undergraduate and graduate research students in the laboratory.

Excellent written and oral communication skills
PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field
Prior experience in protein expression, biophysical protein characterization, and/or structural biology approaches
English Proficiency

N/A

1-2 years working in electron microscopy or x-ray crystallography, and data processing (particularly related to protein structural analysis/modeling)
Experience with mammalian protein expression
Expertise in Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Familiarity with Linux-based computer systems and some computer programming languages.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail
Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team, self-motivated, adaptable, works with a positive attitude
Ability to grasp new concepts quickly and efficiently, learn new techniques, keep accurate records, follow instructions, comply with institutional policies

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach their CV or resume, cover letter, names, and contact information of 3 references. Appointments are typically for a one-year period. Five years (typically five appointments of one year) is typically the maximum total period that any individual may serve as a Scholar. The University, in its sole discretion has the option to renew or extend any appointment, subject to the availability of funds, past performance evaluations and/or any other lawful reasons. For other information on the ECU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, please visit our website at: https://rede.ecu.edu/postdoctoral/

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