Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description A full-time postdoctoral researcher position is available in the Scharf lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech to study motility and chemotaxis in the symbiotic soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Typical duties include genetic, behavioral, biochemical, and biophysical based approaches to analyze flagellar motor function, chemoreceptor-ligand interaction, protein-protein interaction, and/or regulation of gene transcription. Preference will be given to researchers with strong skills in analyzing flagellar-driven motility behavior, chemoreceptor function, and/or gene regulation and function. Chosen applicant should have a good publication record. The position start date is negotiable. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field or an equivalent level of training and/or experience. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining. Advanced knowledge in molecular microbiology and bacterial physiology. Advanced knowledge in bacterial genetics including mutagenesis. Specific knowledge in bacterial motility, chemotaxis, and/or gene regulation. Preferred Qualifications Experience with bacterial motility and chemotaxis assays. Experience in flagellar motor measurements. Experience in regulation of gene transcription.

Overtime Status Exempt:

Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information 50,000 - 56,000 Hours per week 40 hours - exempt position Review Date April 20, 2026 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dreama Price at dreama@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.