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.

- 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.

- 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

Restricted

50,000 - 56,000

40 hours - exempt position

April 20, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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