FacultyProfessorResearch Assistant - Full-Time - Pediatrics

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Department of Pediatrics

Division of General Academic Pediatrics

The Division of General Academic Pediatrics at the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is recruiting a Research Assistant Professor in the Non-Tenure (Appointment) stream dedicated to advancing translational research on infrequently encountered pediatric infections in primary care pediatrics.

Applicants must be PhD-trained and specifically devoted to a research career through translational research focusing on conditions such as urinary tract infection, acute otitis media, acute sinusitis, or COVID-19. Specifically, the lab focuses on examining host-pathogen interactions during infection and colonization to try to identify biomarkers that could improve the diagnosis or treatment of these conditions.

The incumbent will be responsible for the development of original research projects that could ultimately lead to funding. The work proposed should be within the laboratory’s theme to understand the interaction between bacteria, viruses, and the host during frequently occurring pediatric infections. The candidate can leverage the wealth of existing samples available from a variety of large ongoing clinical studies and completed studies. The candidate would also be responsible for the general supervision of other members in the lab. The candidate would be capable of highly specialized laboratory work and technical analysis. This position will have a special emphasis on pediatric urinary tract infection microbiology and immunology. He/she must have specialized expertise in molecular biology and/or immunology and/or infectious diseases. Previous experience in cutting-edge methods such as next-generation sequencing is preferred. Additional responsibilities include specialized cultures, bioinformatics, microbiology, microbiome research, transcriptomics, and demonstrated a willingness to learn methods for microbiome analyses, RNA/DNA isolation, and sequencing. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative, motivated individual to work with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and statisticians aiming to make seminal contributions toward improving the health of children. The candidate will be expected to participate in project planning, experimental design, data management, data analysis/interpretation, and manuscript/grant preparation. There are datasets to mine and publish from previous large clinical studies. The candidate and PI will work together to design a specific program for the development of needed skills within the scope of the Translational Science Unit.

Our division faculty (6+ MD/DOs) excels in primary care research. Our lab currently has two members who will help the candidate with the projects. We seek to honor the identities that members of our work community bring to their work, including race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, religion, disability, and educational background.

We are the primary site for the continuity clinics for residents at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World report’s 2020-2021 list of “American’s Best Children’s Hospitals,” UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is a 315-bed free-standing children’s hospital located in the thriving Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh cares for over 80% of all hospitalized children (and over 90% of all hospitalized children under the age of 12) in our region, a catchment area that includes Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Northern West Virginia, and Southwestern New York. Overlooking the Allegheny River and much of the metropolitan area, the hospital stands minutes away from the downtown cultural district, home stadiums for three major sports teams, an internationally-recognized culinary scene, and renowned centers of higher learning in the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie-Mellon University, which host vibrant learning communities around equity and justice in public health, education, and medicine.

We seek candidates who embrace diversity and enhance the diversity within our group. The University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh are equal opportunity employers. Minorities/Women/Individuals with disabilities/veterans are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should forward their CV to Dr. Nader Shaikh, General Academic Pediatrics, at nader.shaikh@chp.edu or 412 996 2653. Candidates can inquire about potential opportunities available in the Department of Pediatrics by applying to requisition number #22003170 on Pitt Talent Center by visiting https://www.join.pitt.edu/

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The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.