The University of Chicago (UChicago) seeking Postdoctoral Fellows to study immunity and develop novel vaccines or antibody-based therapeutics to influenza virus and pandemic coronavirus.
Postdoctoral in coronavirus
These positions will involve studies of B lymphocyte and antibody responses to influenza and/or the SARS-CoV-2 viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect massive numbers of people making it a high-priority pathogen. Control of the current coronavirus outbreak and avoidance of future pandemics is a critical and timely endeavor.
A truly universal vaccination strategy against influenza must manage escape mutations by the virus and the evolution of antibody responses to and away from epitopes that differ in their protectiveness and durability. A successful vaccine aims to minimize viral escape by boosting responses to multiple conserved, protective epitopes.
Concepts for the broad and permanent protection against influenza variants and pandemic threats can also be applied to control the current coronavirus pandemic and avoid future pandemics.
Responsibility
The positions will involve use of technologies such as flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics (i.e., 10x Genomics technology), plus generation and characterization of human monoclonal antibodies and ultimately production and testing of novel vaccine or antibody-based therapeutic candidates.
These positions will jointly provide an understanding of the basic biological basis of B cell immunity to influenza and coronavirus while being simultaneously translatable to the clinic.
Requirements to do Postdoctoral in coronavirus
Candidates should have completed a doctorate level degree and have a strong background in vaccinology and/or immunology, preferably related to B cells and antibodies.
The successful candidate should have documented success in research including publications in international journals on relevant topics.
Compensation is dependent upon qualifications. The University provides a generous package of fringe benefits.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit an application package that includes a cover letter, CV, relevant prior publications, and contact information for three references to Patrick Wilson, at [email protected].
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