National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Postdoctoral fellowship positions are available at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). NIAID is one of the largest institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Single Virion Biology and Biophysics Unit (SVBBU) in the Laboratory of Viral Diseases (LVD) within NIAID seeks enthusiastic, dedicated, and creative individuals to join its ranks as postdoctoral fellows.

Led by Tijana Ivanovic, Ph.D., research at SVBBU seeks to uncover mechanisms of how viruses adapt to external pressures. The group has recently identified that influenza virions can adopt a filamentous morphology to escape challenge by antibodies and antiviral drugs. Strikingly, shape adaptation can occur instantaneously without an underlying genetic change. Viruses (or rather infected cells) are thus able to sense and respond to the external environment in ways that enable persistence. SVBBU’s toolkit of viral genetics, cell biology, and molecular biophysics will help the team to uncover the mechanism behind this adaptation, which may enable discovery of broadly acting antivirals that prevent filament formation in influenza and other viruses. In a broad sense, available projects aim to explain how nongenetic processes lead to genetic diversity and, ultimately, adaptation under external pressure.

LVD, located on the main campus of NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, offers a collaborative and inclusive research environment. Composed of nine independent investigators who seek fundamental insights into the complex biology of human viruses, LVD’s current research covers a broad array of viral pathogens (HIV, poxviruses, herpesviruses, papillomaviruses, influenza viruses, and flaviviruses) and explores virtually all facets of viral biology, including virus entry, regulation of gene expression, mechanisms of genome replication, virion morphogenesis, latency persistence, pathogenesis, immunity, and evolution. LVD investigators also apply their expertise to develop viral vaccines and therapeutics.

LVD places a strong emphasis on the mentoring of young scientists and includes opportunities such as the LVD seminar series featuring trainee presentations, talks and meetings with prominent virologists, and perspectives from scientists with “beyond the bench” careers. See more information about LVD.

Required:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M.) completed or in the progress of completion
• Strong record of biomedical research
• Less than 2 years of postdoctoral experience

U.S. citizenship is not required; however, visa requirements do apply.

Training positions are supported directly by NIH intramural funds. Starting stipends range from $64,450 to $67,200 per year, depending on experience. Health benefits are provided. Postdoctoral fellowships are renewable yearly for up to 5 years.

Interested candidates should send the following by email to Dr. Ivanovic at tijana.ivanovic@nih.gov :

• Curriculum vitae
• One-page cover letter with a description of your research interests and future directions
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Visit NIAID Postdoctoral Research Training for more information about working as a Postdoc at NIH and visit NIAID Careers for information about joining NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere!

The Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.