Postdoctoral Scholar - Microbial Pathogenesis - School of Optometry

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall Semester

Position duration: The initial appointment is for two years and is consistent with bargaining agreement terms for Postdoctoral Scholars with the possiblity of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Application Window

Open date: September 4, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The UC Berkeley Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry and Vision Science seeks applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar in the field of Microbial Pathogenesis of Corneal Infections.

The position primarily involves an investigation aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of infections involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa especially the intracellular life of the pathogen, and bacterial adaptations associated with intracellular survival. Another project area involves studying the role of sensory nerves in defending the eye against bacterial adhesion. Duties include experimental work in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo using multiple models of ocular infection and host defense, genomic and proteomic analysis of bacteria and host cells, an ability to analyze large data sets, statistical analysis, and use of high-resolution live imaging. The position requires writing and publishing of manuscripts, presentation of work at scientific research conferences, mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, preparation of research grant progress reports, contribution to laboratory maintenance and new submission or renewal of required protocols.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. or equivalent international degree, or enrollment in a Ph.D. (or equivalent international) program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date
• No more than three years of post-degree research experience by the start date.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics or a related field(s).
• Scientific Publications.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05528

Help contact: djevans@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Berkeley, CA

To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05528