Post Doc Research Associate

The Tak Laboratory at the UVA School of Medicine is seeking Postdoctoral Researchers to work on projects at the intersection of bacterial immune systems, phage virology, and evolution of membrane proteins. (https://med.virginia.edu/mic/faculty/primary-faculty/?facbio=1&id=1728050).

The Tak Laboratory studies the conflict between bacteria and the viruses that infect them: the bacteriophages (phages). We are primarily interested in the emerging field of bacterial immune systems with analogous signaling components in eukaryotes such as the cGAS-STING pathway, and the conserved molecular paradigms between the two. We are also interested in discovering novel mechanisms of bacterial immunity to phage and other cellular threats using cyclic oligonucleotide signaling, novel membrane channel-forming proteins, and systems-level bacterial immunity. We are also heavily invested in engineering bacterial immune components to develop biotechnology with applications in human health, agriculture, and molecular biology. The lab employs a highly interdisciplinary approach including but not limited to molecular microbiology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, structural biology, high-resolution imaging, membrane reconstitution, and infection biology.

The ideal postdoctoral candidate will have a doctoral degree in one of the following (or related) disciplines: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and will be experienced in one or more of the following areas:

• Bacteriology, phage virology, molecular genetics, computational genomics.

• Innate immunology, cell-culture models, cell signaling, fluorescence microscopy, infection biology.

• Structural and functional studies of protein/ligand complexes using cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM), in-vitro reconstitution, and biochemical assays. Prior experience with membrane proteins is preferred.

Prospective candidates will be nearing completion of their doctoral degree or have received their PhD within 6 months of applying for the position. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, independent, meticulously organized, and display a willingness to explore uncharted scientific territory using diverse scientific approaches. The chosen candidate will work closely with the principal investigator to design and execute interdisciplinary projects that address critical questions in the field of bacterial immunology. The chosen candidate is expected to apply for independent funding from federal and private agencies, present their work at international and domestic conferences, write and publish first-author manuscripts of their findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals, mentor junior trainees, participate in departmental seminars, and work collaboratively within the laboratory and greater UVA community.

Postdoctoral employment is temporary and is normally limited to an individual who has been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within the previous five years and who will be involved in full-time research or scholarship at the University.

Please include a cover letter summarizing your past experience, research interests and career goals, in addition to your CV and contact details for at least three letters of recommendation.

Duties Include:

• Full-time research and scholarship at the University of Virginia School of medicine.
• Supervised by a senior scholar, and allows the appointee to publish the results of his/her research or scholarship
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other laboratory duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related field.

• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.

• Willingness to mentor junior members of the laboratory

• Willingness to apply for independent funding

TO APPLY:

Application Instructions

Click Apply and complete an application online. Include the following documents:

• CV/resume

• Cover letter

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Before a formal offer of employment is extended, the selected candidate will undergo a background check per university policy. This position is restricted and contingent upon the continuation of funding. This position will remain open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Jon Stafford via email at js8sj@virginia.edu.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact Eric Allen, Academic Recruiter, at uth9qh@virginia.edu.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.