Postdoctoral Scholar, Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (Syphilis pathogenesis and immunology)
Position Overview
Organization: Medicine, Allergy & Infectious Diseases
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (Syphilis pathogenesis and immunology)
Position Details
Position Description
The Giacani Lab, under the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, is focused on identifying vaccine candidates and immune mechanisms of protection against Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. We perform detailed studies using specimens derived from the rabbit model of infection and human samples. A major focus of the lab is also the study of syphilis pathogenesis, which can be now pursued more actively thanks to recent advancements in the field that allow to propagate this pathogen in vitro and genetically engineer it. Projects include:
- Creating knock-out mutants or mutants expressing GFP-fusion proteins to study how ablation of putative virulence factors affect infectivity, and to study pathogen dissemination.
- Testing vaccine candidates using the rabbit model of infection.
- Evaluating in vivo and in vitro susceptibility to drugs of T. pallidum
The candidate will have an opportunity to contribute to one or more projects, learning advanced cellular and molecular immunology techniques, and become very familiar and proficient with the rabbit model of syphilis.
University of Washington faculty appointments have a 12-month service period of July 1 - June 30. This is a full-time position with an anticipated start period for Fall 2021 (November 1 - October 31). Funding is already available and there is possibility for yearly renewal up to three years dependent upon performance. Compensation is commensurate to post-doctoral work experience.
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.
The Giacani Lab is located on the University of Washington’s Harborview Medical Center campus.
Qualifications
PhD or foreign equivalent in Immunology, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Medical Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in laboratory-based research and have published several first author papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The work is highly collaborative, so excellent written and oral communication skills are required as is the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities with exceptional organizational and time management skills. Experience working with animals in not required nor expected.
Instructions
Interested and qualified applicants should apply via Interfolio (link below). Additionally send a one-page letter of interest, CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references addressed to:
Lorenzo Giacani, PhD
Department of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
University of Washington
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/.