PostDoctoral Associate

Several post-doctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Silke Paust on or after January 1st, 2023.

The research projects will focus on NK cell responses to infection and malignancy, using mice, humanized mice, and human specimens.

Project 1. To develop memory NK cell-based immunotherapies to prevent or cure HIV infection. This work will be performed using in-house generated humanized mice with a competent immune system and human specimens.

Project 2. To develop NK cell-based immunotherapies to prevent or cure solid tumors. This work will be performed using genetically engineered lung cancer mouse models and in-house generated patient-derived xenograft models (lung, and pancreatic cancer).

Project 3. To understand NK cell responses to respiratory virus infection (mainly Influenza virus) in the context of innate and adaptive immune crosstalk and immune-therapeutics development. The work will be performed using mouse models of influenza virus infection and in vitro assays.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently, as well as in a team environment, pay close attention to detail and adhere to deadlines regularly. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. He/she/they will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner, and possess excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. The ability to take direction and use independent judgment to meet experimental goals and deadlines is required. The successful candidate must be able to independently develop experimental protocols and approaches to troubleshooting experimental protocols, and perform advanced planning of experiment setups, data collection, and results for analysis. A strong commitment to experimental goals, career goals, and deadlines is required. Therefore, willingness to work into the evening and occasional weekend work is absolutely required. Prior post-doctoral experience is not required for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, virology, cancer biology, or a related life science field, or a DVM or a related degree.
• Advanced immunology and NK cell biology expertise
• Experience with mouse models of disease (infectious disease, tumors)
• Experience with multiparameter/digital flow cytometry and data analysis
• Sterile tissue culture and in vitro assays (quantitative PCR, killing assays, proliferation assays, etc.)
• Standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including microscopy
• Computer skills, omics, bioinformatics, and biostatistics expertise
• At least 1 year of BSL-2 laboratory techniques and BSL-2 animal model experience

Positions require successful completion of required training courses, i.e. animal use, BL-2 safety, and general lab and chemical safety training.