The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is a distinguished research and teaching facility of East Carolina University School of Medicine consisting of approximately 50 people.
 This department provides an academic base for teacher-scientists employed by the School of Medicine at East Carolina University in the disciplines of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and other related disciplines. The department provides instruction to medical students, dental students, and graduate students. The department also provides guidance and research experience to graduate students seeking advanced degrees in microbiology and immunology. The department also offers a postdoctoral research training program. The department supports an array of faculty (16)-directed research programs of which many are supported by extramural grants and/or contracts. The department provides service to the school, university, state, nation, and to the profession by activities of faculty members on committees, study sections, in professional organizations, as consultants, and through other activities. 

The postdoctoral scholar is responsible for independent and collaborative development, implementation, and analysis of scientific research in the discipline of Biology of Spirochetes. Responsibilities include management of all aspects of research, study spirochete bacterial gene regulation & host-pathogen interactions. The laboratory also works on cyclic-di-GMP, chemotaxis, motility, and virulence mechanisms of Borrelia burgdorferi (https://microbiology-immunology.ecu.edu/md-motaleb/).  Duties include but not limited to hypothesis development, literature review, collection of pilot data, report writing, and supervising of students, and the development of independent and collaborative presentations and publications.  

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

Approximately 90% of the postdoctoral scholar’s time will be devoted to research.

Approximately 10% of the postdoctoral scholar’s time will be devoted to managing the day-to-day activity of students and fellows in the laboratory.

English Proficiency 
Excellent written and oral communication skills
PhD

None

Hands-on experience on microbiology, bacteriology, microbial genetics, or molecular biology/genetics. The candidate should be willing to work with small animals and Ixodes ticks. 

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach their CV or resume, cover letter and 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/

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and seeks to create an environment that fosters the recruitment and retention of a more diverse student body, faculty, staff and administration. We encourage qualified applicants from women, minorities, veterans, individuals with a disability, and historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department of Human Resources at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.