Postdoctoral Scholar - Self-Replicating mRNA Vaccines, Department of Bioengineering


Position Overview


School / Campus / College: School of Medicine

Organization: Bioengineering (SOM)

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Self-Replicating mRNA Vaccines, Department of Bioengineering


Position Details


Position Description

A recently awarded NIAID grant to the multi-disciplinary team of J. Bryers (UW Bioengineering, mRNA vaccine delivery), D. Koelle (UW Infectious Diseases, T cell Immunology), and J. Taylor (Fred Hutch Vaccine and Infectious Diseases, B cell activation dynamics) seeks to develop an injectable polymer platform to deliver multi-cistronic self-replicating mRNA to immunize against Staphylococcus aureus infections.   Biofilm infections of tissue and medical prostheses by this pathogen cause severe morbidity and mortality; thus, preventative vaccination is a major unmet medical need. Our group has identified rational vaccine candidates and protocols to address B cell affinity issues. Thus, there are several openings for postdoctoral scientists.

One of these postdoctoral positions requires expertisé in self-replicating multi-cistronic mRNA vector construction to develop injectable polymer vaccine depots to immunize against Staphylococcus aureus infections. Candidates should have a background in mRNA vector construction, vaccine delivery, and verification of successful immunization as substantiated by a history of independent research and scholarly publications.  This is a full-time position with a 12-month service period, with the possibility for yearly renewal dependent upon performance and continued funding. The Bryers lab is part of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. The start date for this position is as soon as possible. Candidates in the fields of bioengineering, molecular genetics/biology, immunology, nucleic acid vector construction or related field are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to individuals with expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques, multi-parameter flow cytometry, tissue culture, and working with mice. 

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
 

Qualifications

PhD (or other foreign equivalent) at the time of hire.

Instructions

Interested and qualified applicants should apply via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/111212) with a CV, cover letter describing your
interest in the position and experience, and the contact information for a minimum of three referees. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

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Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.