Post Doctoral Fellow

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Laboratory of Human Retrovirology and Immunoinformatics (LHRI) has collaborated with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and supported clinical studies for patients infected with HIV, HCV, SARS-Cov2, and other viruses. LHRI investigates mechanisms of viral persistence, innate immune regulation, and host–virus interactions with a focus on HIV infection and antiviral immune responses. Current projects integrate virology, immunology, cell biology, and translational research approaches to investigate novel mechanisms regulating viral replication and immune activation. During studies, LHRI has identified Interleukin-27 (IL-27) as an anti-viral protein, Ku70: damaged DNA repair protein, as a Type-III Interferon inducing cytosolic DNA receptor, and novel anti-viral micro RNAs, metal ion-mediated novel immune activation and established a method for primary T cells cloning. We seek a highly motivated and intellectually curious Post Doctoral Fellow who is passionate about discovery, willing to challenge established concepts, and eager to pursue unexpected observations that may lead to fundamental new insights into biology. This position is funded for a year and may be extended based on the availability of additional funding. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES Investigation of the molecular mechanism of IL-27-mediated ant-viral effect. Investigation of the novel innate immune response via metabolic enzymes. Investigate the mechanism of reactivation of defect HIV. Publishing first author paper(s) in peer-reviewed journals and presenting the findings in the international or domestic scientific conference(s) as the first author. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below: Possession of a PhD degree from an accredited college or university (according to CHEA). (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education). Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration: Experience In vitro tissue culture, RNA works. Molecular cloning. Hands-on experience in plasmid construction. Experience with tissue culture (primary cells and cell lines) for long periods and establishment of cell lines. Statistical analysis skills using PRISM. Experience with western blotting and ELISA. Published first author paper(s) in peer-reviewed journal.