B232001
Mentor: Dr. Carlos J. Orihuela, Department of Microbiology
BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS POSTDOCTORAL POSITION
A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the laboratory of Carlos J. Orihuela in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated scientist to join an NIH funded research program focused on the molecular and immunological basis of organ damage during invasive infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge animal, in vitro, microscopic, and ‘omics-based research models to dissect the host-pathogen interactions that are responsible for disease. Hired individuals will benefit from the highly vibrant and world class Streptococcal research community that is present at UAB. They will also participate in ongoing collaborations within and outside the United States. UAB Microbiology is ranked in the top 10 of NIH funded Microbiology Departments in the United States and the university is consistently ranked among the best for postdoctoral training. The hired fellow will have access to considerable training resources in preparation for a successful independent career in academia or industry.
RELEVENT PUBLICATIONS:
- Patton MJ, et al. COVID-19 bacteremic co-infection is a major risk factor for mortality, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation. Crit. Care. 2023 Jan 23;27(1):34.
- Brissac T, et al. Capsule Promotes Intracellular Survival and Vascular Endothelial Cell Translocation during Invasive Pneumococcal Disease. mBio. 2021 Oct 26;12(5):e0251621.
- Park SS, et al. Streptococcus pneumoniae binds to host GAPDH on dying lung epithelial cells worsening secondary infection following influenza. Cell Rep. 2021 Jun 15;35(11):109267.
- D'Mello A, et al. An in vivo atlas of host-pathogen transcriptomes during Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization and disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 Dec 29;117(52):33507-33518.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD and/or MD/DDS and have training in microbiology or immunology.
- Experience in microbial genomics, bacterial virulence, biofilms, cell culture, mouse work, microscopy, and innate immunology.
- Candidates with experience in molecular genetics and/or bioinformatics will receive special consideration.
- A strong publication record and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ambition to reach the next career level with a team player philosophy.
- Ability to collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct rigorous and original science
- Independently design, perform, and interpret experiments
- Write and publish high-quality peer-reviewed research
- Participate in grant writing
- Supervise and train undergraduate or graduate trainees and/or technicians
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary and fringe benefits as per NIH and UAB guidelines.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should apply through the ScienceMag portal. Please submit a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing research accomplishments and career goals (1-2 pages), up-to-date curriculum vitae, a list of three references, and three relevant publications. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.