| Position Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow for the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics within the New Jersey Medical School. The Postdoctoral Fellow position is available immediately to new Ph.D. graduates or candidates with less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience to study the molecular basis of Lyme disease/syphilis and tick-borne coinfections. Lyme disease is the most prevalent arthropod-borne, multisystemic illness in the USA. It affects skin, joints, heart and nervous system while tick-borne parasite, Babesia microti causes anemia and splenomegaly. Interestingly, C3H mice provide a very good animal model to study manifestations of Lyme disease as well as babesiosis and we have now been studying coinfections with these pathogens in the mouse model. Syphilis is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted disease all over the world. Syphilis-causing spirochete, Treponema pallidum subsp pallidum has several similarities with Lyme spirochetes; however, it cannot be grown in vitro. The new postdoctoral fellow will be expected to also contribute to ongoing project of Dr. Parveen funded by NIH U01.
Our department is located in a newer building, International Center for Public Health with excellent core facilities. The presence of Public Health Research Institute in the same building allows students and post-doctoral fellows to interact with some well-known experts in the field of microbial pathogenesis. Furthermore, postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to obtain independent fellowships after initial training. The candidates are usually advised and helped in the application process of the fellows by the Principal Investigator/Project leader. Among the key duties of this position are the following: - Research Projects objectives are: Assess contribution of the spirochete ligands in attachment to mammalian host cells in vitro, identify the cognate host receptor and study the role of this interaction in tissue tropism during murine model of infection; and evaluate immunological responses to host-induced bacterial molecules and their effects on manifestation of the disease in the mouse model. We hope it will lead us to identify molecules to develop better diagnostic antigen cocktails and/or vaccine candidates against both spirochetal disease(s). Only serious candidates need apply. Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School in Newark is at an easily commutable distance from different towns of New Jersey as well as from Manhattan, New York by subway and/or by bus.
- Duties: Current post-doctoral position is for the projects involving T. pallidum pathogenesis and will also help the selected candidate to investigate B. burgdorferi and B. burgdorferi-B. microti pathogenesis. She/he will get a unique experience in studying congenital syphilis under my International Collaboration in Infectious Diseases Research U01 grant from NIH. The interested candidates should be prepared to work hard to help me achieve my goal of publishing quality papers and obtaining additional NIH funding. My laboratory has most facilities required for the projects. I will personally provide initial training to the fellow to familiarize this interesting but challenging field of bacterial pathogenesis under the PI's guidance. It is expected that the postdoctoral fellow will maintain detailed and accurate experimental records.
- Expertise needed: Applicants should possess a doctoral degree and have experience in microbial pathogenesis and molecular biology disciplines with significant experience in Real-time PCR. Candidate, who is not allergic to animals and has worked with laboratory animals, has some experiences in confocal microscopy, immunological studies, and FACS analysis, is preferred. Other related duties as assigned need to be carried out in a timely manner.
- Participate and present in journal clubs, seminars and conferences. Keep abreast with the current scientific and technical literature relevant to the laboratory's mission.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience: - The candidate should have a Ph.D., peer-reviewed publications, and ability to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications: - Preference will be given to candidates with experience in spirochetes and animal-handling expertise.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
As required for any active postdoctoral fellow. WORK ENVIRONMENT:
New Jersey Medical School is a highly interactive place ideal for upcoming researchers. It provides environment for postdoctoral fellows to learn, grow and obtain independent scientific careers in the fields of their choice. Past postdoctoral fellows and students from Parveen's laboratory have successfully reached their career goals and have obtained employment in industry or academia. Salary: $52,704-$59,580 based on Postdoc's years of experience. Posting Number: 21ST0754 Location: Newark (RBHS) |
