"Postdoctoral Scholar"

Post Doctoral Researcher to pursue specialized research training, education and experience under the guidance of a scientific mentor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine within the Department of Internal Medicine; plans, designs and executes experiments of considerable scope and complexity in the assigned research lab focusing on studying the role of host cellular proteins in pulmonary inflammation and respiratory virus pathogenesis; collects and analyzes data for research sponsored by appropriate agencies and Institutions; identifies and selects problems to be studied; develops and troubleshoots new experimental techniques and protocols; attends research seminars; contributes to manuscript preparation and supports technical writing; participates in preparation of grant applications for extramural funding; performs additional duties as assigned.

We invite an outstanding candidate with a strong background in molecular biology and/or immunology to join our NIH-funded research group to study the role of host cellular proteins in pulmonary inflammation and respiratory virus pathogenesis. Experience in virology, immunology and mouse model of human diseases is a plus.

The Mebratu lab investigates the molecular mechanisms how IAV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses hijack and subvert host cellular processes to facilitate their replication since this information will be useful in developing therapeutic host targets to treat the disease. We use cutting-edge molecular, genetic and proteomic approaches 1) to study how influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 viruses use host cellular proteins to promote their replication and pathogenesis in human airway epithelial cells; 2) to identify specific domains of viral proteins that interact with host cellular proteins to establish persistent infection and viral replication; 3) investigate specific gene polymorphisms that contributes to influenza disease severity in humans; 4) to study how host cellular proteins promote lung inflammation in chronic lung disease in response to injury. Our approaches include biochemistry, molecular biology, mouse genetics, virology, immunology and human genetics.

The candidate will have an opportunity to learn or become more proficient in the techniques in rodent models of lung injury/inflammation, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics, transcriptomics, and standard biochemical/molecular approaches.

The applicant should preferably have a strong background and experience in molecular biology techniques. Knowledge and experience in virology, immunology and mouse model of diseases are pluses. Experience in cell culture is required. Ability to work independently, good oral and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.

Applicants with a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree and less than 3 years of postdoctoral experience. The successful candidate will need to be a self-starter and a strong communicator able to work productively. Excellent written and interpersonal skills