Postdoctoral Fellowship in Vaccine Immunology

he Microbial Pathogenesis Department at the University of Maryland is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the humoral and cellular immune response elicited by vaccines formulated with a novel lipid-A based adjuvants. This project is funded by a five-year contract that has been awarded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) and seeks to provide IND-enabling data packages that lead toward licensure of new vaccine formulations.

The laboratory uses a method termed bacterial enzyme combinatorial chemistry (BECC) to engineer and create bacterial lipid A structures that act as partial agonists for the innate immune receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). BECC lipid A are screened for the ability to potentiate an immune response that, in combination with a bacterial antigen, will lead to long term protection against infectious pathogens that have a significant burden on global human health including influenza and SARS-CoV2. As a part of these studies, efforts to develop new vaccine delivery methods and to further advance animal models of infection will be included.

Qualifications :

A well-suited candidate will have a strong immunology background with experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry, tissue culture, and working with mice. Preference will be given to those candidates with previous backgrounds in influenza vaccine development, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) biology, and microbiology that demonstrate a history of success with independent research.

The minimum qualifications include a PhD in microbiology, immunology, vaccinology, or related field. Previous experience working with rodents in a research setting is a requirement. This position will be a critical member of a collaborative, dynamic team and must have good oral and written communication skills, as well a strong record of publications. Compensation will be commensurate with experience level. Benefits are highly competitive.

To apply, please send a current, dated, and signed Curriculum Vitae, contact information for three references, and a two-page statement (maximum) of research experiences, interest, and goals to:

Dr. Robert K. Ernst, PhD

Dr. Paul and Mrs. Jean Corcoran Professor and Chair

Department of Microbial Pathogenesis

University of Maryland School of Dentistry

email: rkernst@umaryland.edu

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HRJobs@umaryland.edu and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.