POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AVAILABLE IN LUNG DEFENSE AGAINST INFECTION.

The Limper Laboratory studies lung defense mechanisms and responses to lung infection.  We have 30 years experience in studying Pneumocystis pneumonia, an important and often fatal infection in patients with impaired immunity, such as malignancies, transplantation, AIDS and in those taking immunosuppressive medications. We utilize genetically engineered mouse models and relevant cellular infection models to study these infections to identify molecular mechanisms that mediate host defense and responses.  Our work aims to develop new adjuntive treatments for these important infections.

This Postdoctoral Scientist position is available at the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Limper at Mayo Clinic Rochester to investigate mechanisms of lung host defense during infections.  Our model work focuses on Pneumocystis pneumonia, an important cause of fungal infection in individuals with impaired immunity. Experimental approaches employed in our lab involve molecular biology, genetically modified mice, applied cellular immunology, lung injury models, cultured lung slices, and single cell RNA-seq and genomics/epigenetics studies.

As a Postdoctoral Scientist, you will be working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientists and will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period. In this role, you may develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

•   Designs and performs experiments.

•   Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation, and analyze the results.

•   Analyzes, interprets, summarizes, and compiles data.

•   Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.

•   Operates and maintains relevant animal models.

•   Participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.

•   May assist in preparation of grant proposals.

Education:

•   Doctorate (MD, PhD, DVM, or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization.

•   A recent PhD or MD/PhD with experience in lung infections or immunology is preferred.

Experience:

•   Works independently on research projects designed by a mentor (typically the PI) within area of specialization.

•   Hands-on experience with mouse work, transgenic/knockout mouse models, fluorescence and confocal imaging, biochemistry, cellular immunology, molecular biology, cell culture, flow cytometry, gene expression, quantitative analysis, single cell RNAseq/ATACseq/bioinformatics analysis.

•   Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals is required.

•   Acquires complete technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during one to five (1-5) year post-doctoral appointment.

Physical Demands:

Able to perform moderate lifting.  Able to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. Able to read papers and online documents in English. Able to operate standard office equipment. Able to exercise physical ability and perspective acuity to satisfactorily perform essential job functions.

"A Research Fellow position in Life Sciences (LS) will require knowledge of either clinical-based research or laboratory-based research often obtained from a postdoctoral program.

A Research Fellow at Mayo Clinic is a temporary position intended to provide training and education in research. Individuals will train in the research program of a Mayo Clinic principal investigator. Qualified individuals will demonstrate the potential for research as evidenced by their training and peer-reviewed publications and should become competitive for national research grants. Proof of English proficiency is required for J-1 Short-Term Scholars, Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns sponsored by Mayo Clinic."