Texas A&M University Health Science Center is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Desai Laboratory in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology. The lab focuses on understanding immune responses to viral infections and vaccines, particularly in the context of helminth-mediated immune modulation. The role involves characterizing immune responses to flaviviruses and alphaviruses, investigating the role of dendritic cells in modulating T cell immunity, studying immune responses to viral vaccines, and exploring helminth-induced modulation of antiviral immune responses.
Requirements
- Experience working with mouse models, viruses, helminth models and immune cells.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, sequencing, CRISPR-Cas).
- Experience with virology techniques (e.g., plaque assay, FFU, viral RNA extraction and quantification, virus preparation and stocks).
- Experience with immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, cell culture, flow cytometry).
- Experience with microscopy (immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, bright field).
- Experience writing papers, analyzing and interpreting data, up to date with current scientific literature.
- Strong knowledge of the fundamental immunology, molecular biology, genetics and infectious diseases.
Responsibilities
- Characterizing immune responses to flaviviruses and alphaviruses
- Investigating the role of dendritic cells in modulating T cell immunity
- Studying immune responses to viral vaccines
- Exploring helminth-induced modulation of antiviral immune responses
- Develops or optimizes protocols, methods, or learns new software and bioinformatics tools.
- Utilizes knowledge and skills granted to them by their education and expertise to complete multiple research projects.
- Analyzes research data and summarizes results.
Other
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or a related biomedical field.
- May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours.
- May travel as required.
- A cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, resume, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor), and a two page statement outlining your prior research experience and motivation to join our lab are strongly recommended.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
