Postdoc position - Vanderbilt UMC

The Serezani lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is looking to recruit a postdoctoral associate to work on different NIH-funded projects. Dr. Serezani is also a member of many institutional NIH T32 Training Grant that could provide multi-year support for postdoctoral trainees (USA citizens and Permanent Residents). Our lab is interested in understanding how phagocyte's intracellular brakes influence host defense in systemic and localized infections. More specifically, we want to investigate:

1) Host-derived factors that account for enhanced susceptibility to infections in preexisting conditions. Using the in vivo imaging system (IVIS) and intravital microscopy, we are dissecting the dynamics of different monocyte, macrophage, and neutrophil populations in the skin and lung. We have been investigating how ingestion of dead cells (efferocytosis) influences metabolic reprogramming in diabetes, obesity, and aging. Another lab project aims to assess the role of microRNAs (mainly miR21) in neutrophil function during skin host defense.

2)   Identification and actions of pleiotropic intracellular inhibitors during sepsis. We have been interested in identifying intracellular events that could decrease systemic inflammatory response during sepsis. We have been focusing on understanding the cellular and molecular targets of phosphatases (PTEN and SHP1) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) in neutrophils and macrophages during sepsis. We are identifying new regulatory programs triggered by PTEN and SOCS1 in inflammasome assembly and fatty acid oxidation that influences organ damage and mortality in sepsis.

The projects will be tailored to meet the individual qualifications and interests of the candidate. For example, the nature and extent of advanced microscopy and bioinformatics or a focus on different animal infection models can be discussed with the applicant.

Qualifications

  • Suitable applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in immunology or a related field, a record of productivity, and excellent communication skills.
    • The ideal candidate will work well in an interactive scientific environment, be intellectually curious, and have experience in all aspects of immunology.
    • Research experience in immunology, cell biology, and/or microbiology
      • Critical skills include extensive experience with animal handling, hands-on experience with, and extensive knowledge of tissue culture (including isolation of primary cells), basic molecular biology techniques, and basic fluorescent microscopy
      • Proven track record of troubleshooting and problem-solving.
        • Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and bring projects to completion.
        • Willingness to learning bioinformatics to perform metabolomics, lipidomics, and RNAseq analysis
          • Interested in learning advanced microscopy, such as super-resolution microscopy, high- resolution live-cell imaging, and intravital microscopy.
          • Proven track record of troubleshooting and problem-solving.
            • Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and bring projects to completion.
            • Helpful Nature – Offers to help lighten the load for others in times of need; volunteers rather than waiting to be asked; understands that almost no one works in a silo and needs the help of others to do their job well; recognizes that by helping others first, others will likely reciprocate

Principal Responsibilities

  • Spearhead projects investigating the role of phosphatases in the metabolism control of epigenetics and inflammatory response
  • Independently design and conduct experiments under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
  • Conduct literature reviews to be used in determining the most suitable research methods.
  • Present data in lab meetings (~1 x month), Vanderbilt's training programs, and occasional scientific meetings.
  • Train other students and scientists.
  • Be collegial and a fun/interactive person.

The Serezani lab is a highly diverse group of scientists with students and postdocs from different backgrounds. We usually have scientists from other parts of the world, including South and North America, Asia, and Europe. We strongly support racial, gender, and geographic diversity and inclusivity.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with NIH postdoctoral stipends (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-16-131.html). Fellows are also eligible for benefits provided to regular employees of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, including health insurance. Interested candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

VUMC is at the vanguard of biomedical research with a vibrant scientific community and within the top 20 universities with substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health. VUMC is a highly collaborative environment and well equipped for biomedical research and possess state- of-the-art cores for sequencing, microscopy, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, etc.

VUMC is located in Nashville, Tennessee, an energetic city recognized for its eclectic music, friendly Southern atmosphere, high standard of living, great food, and extensive green areas. The Vanderbilt University campus is located in the heart of Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, known internationally as “Music City USA”, and numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Candidate must be available to start working immediately or a later start date can be discussed. Highly motivated individuals should submit a single PDF file containing CV, a brief description of research interests and experience, and the names of 2-3 references to [email protected]