Research Scientist

Location: Vestal, NY Category: Professional & Support Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Tue Aug 18 2026 Job Description:

About the Lab

Our team aims to understand the regulatory and signaling events that drive the formation and development of highly antimicrobial resistant biofilms. By investigating differential gene expression during biofilm formation and dispersion, as well as the role of posttranslational modifications, we aim to uncover the mechanisms governing biofilm development and biofilm antimicrobial resistance. Our ultimate is to identify key factors that can help control and manage biofilms, addressing the challenges posed by their extraordinary resilience to antimicrobial agents and the immune system.

This position focuses on the molecular mechanisms used by biofilm-dispersed cells to evade innate immune responses. The research scientist will explore how biofilm-dispersed cells promote intracellular survival by interfering with phagosomal trafficking, resisting degradation in the phagolysosome, and subsequently escaping into the cytosol, thereby activating inflammasome signaling and modulating the host immune response, leading to persistence and inflammation. The project is based on previous findings indicating that P. aeruginosa biofilm-dispersed cells are engulfed by macrophages at a lower rate than planktonic cells and survive intracellularly, and dispersed cells by Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, both of which exhibited increased virulence and survival in macrophages.

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in microbiology or related field.

• Experience with biofilms and cell biology

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with molecular biology and cell culture techniques.

• Experience with biofilm culturing methodology and dispersion

• Experience with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Proven track record of publications in high-impact journals.

Additional Information:

Salary: $62,354 annually. Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employee Benefits: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package (https://benefits.rfsuny.org/) that is a valuable part of total compensation. This includes medical, dental, vision, dependent care subsidy and other benefits such as SUNY Tuition Assistance. Furthermore, our 10 Perks of Working at the RF (https://www.rfsuny.org/about-us/careers/) provides an at-a-glance view of our top benefits that make us a great place to work.

Research Foundation Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, not for profit corporation and is a separate employer from SUNY and the State of New York and offers separate compensation and benefit plans.

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