Required Qualifications: (as evidenced by an attached resume)
Doctoral Degree (or foreign equivalent) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering or a closely related field in hand by the start of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Demonstrated drive, initiative, and persistence in prior research work (e.g., independently troubleshooting experiments, seeing projects through to completion).

● Hands-on experience with immunofluorescence, microscopy, bacterial culture, histology, or sequencing-based methods.

● Experience with animal models (rodent handling/surgery experience a plus).

● Familiarity with quantitative/computational approaches (e.g., R, Python, image analysis, statistics) is a plus but not required.

● Ability to work independently and hit the ground with minimal ramp-up time.

Brief Description of Duties:

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the investigation of intracellular bacterial communities (IBCs) in human bladder tissue, and characterize IBC biology and its role in recurrent UTI pathogenesis. Work includes specimen processing and imaging and molecular analysis, image analysis, and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation. The postdoc will also help develop a murine model to establish a dose-response relationship between uropathogen burden/catheter biofilm burden and UTI, and will support a parallel device biofilm biorepository program — explanted device biofilm characterization, quantification and sequencing (16S rRNA, fungal ITS) — with opportunities to apply quantitative/computational approaches across projects. The postdoc will also have opportunities to contribute to other clinical and translational projects and manuscripts in the lab. The role offers substantial input into experimental design within an active, growing translational research program.

This is an unusually opportune time to join the lab: the IBC work sits at the leading edge of a paradigm shift in how recurrent UTI is understood (drawing on the same causative logic as H. pylori and gastric ulcers). The device biofilm program has a clear translational and commercialization path. All projects in the lab are designed and implemented with direct clinical relevance and potential for translation.

Research Design and Execution:

● Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments across both projects.

● Contribute to experimental design, hypothesis development, and protocol optimization.

● Maintain detailed laboratory records and electronic notebooks.

Bioreactor and Device-Based Biofilm Studies:

● Operate and maintain in vitro bioreactor systems.

● Design and execute antimicrobial coating/intervention experiments.

● Perform biofilm quantification and characterization.

● Analyze biofilm composition using molecular and microbiological techniques.

Molecular Microbiology and Human Tissue-Based Studies (IBC Project):

● Perform immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, and FISH.

● Conduct 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.

● Perform quantitative PCR for virulence and antibiotic-resistance profiling.

● Support whole-mount imaging assay development, confocal imaging, and image analysis.

● Coordinate with collaborating laboratories and harmonize protocols.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

● Analyze experimental data using statistical and bioinformatic approaches.

● Prepare figures, summaries, and progress reports.

● Contribute to manuscript preparation.

● Assist with grant applications and funding-related documents.

Mentorship and Laboratory Contribution:

● Provide guidance and technical training.

● Participate in laboratory, departmental, and research team meetings.

● Present research findings at meetings and conferences.

Other Duties as Assigned

Special Notes:
The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Visit The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to learn more about our postdoctoral community.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.

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The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below, it represents SBU’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Job Number:

2603290

Official Job Title: Postdoctoral Associate

Job Field

Post Doctoral

Primary Location

US-NY-Stony Brook

Department/Hiring Area: Urology

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day Shift Shift Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Posting Start Date

Sep 10, 2026

Posting End Date

Oct 12, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Salary:$61,000 to $72,000

Appointment Type: Temporary

Salary Grade:E89

SBU Area:The Research Foundation for The State University of New York at Stony Brook