Title | Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
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Specific Title | |
Appointment Type | Postdoctoral Fellow |
Department | IUSM - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology |
Campus | IU School of Medicine Indianapolis |
Position Summary | A postdoctoral position is available to study protein determinants and their mechanisms of interaction with both DNA and RNA phage display systems. Having developed an RNA coliphage display technology presenting library and peptides and knowing the crucial role played by the highly glycosylated spike (S) protein of both coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of human severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) disease in mediating infection, we will endeavor to engineer RNA Qβ phage to map and elucidate the S protein domains recognizing antibody and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, lipoprotein and related host cell receptors (DPP4, CD147). Ultimately, the expected results will provide a better understanding of SARS pathogenesis, severity, evolution, and re-emergence, and reveal new avenues towards molecular diagnostic and therapeutic tools in coronavirus diseases monitoring and prevention. The M13 DNA phage is used for additional screening as well in the laboratory. Our laboratory is affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty/51993/bopda-waffo-alain ) as well as the Chemical Genomic Core Facility (https://medicine.iu.edu/research/support/service-cores/facilities/chemical-genomics ) at IUPUI (http://www.iupui.edu /) in Indianapolis Indiana. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis ). As the nation’s largest medical school, IUSM is committed to being an institution that not only reflects the diversity of the learners we teach and the patient populations we serve, but also pursues the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that inform academic excellence. We desire candidates who enhance our representational diversity, as well as those whose work contributes to equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty. IUSM strives to take an anti-racist stance, regularly evaluating and updating its policies, procedures, and practices to confer equitable opportunities for contribution and advancement for all members of our community. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to advance gender and racial equity to transform health and wellbeing for all throughout the state of Indiana. More information about diversity and inclusion efforts at IUSM can be found at https://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/diversity. |
Basic Qualifications | Doctorate or Terminal degree required. The position requires a PhD or equivalent degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or Microbiology from an accredited institution. Standard wet lab techniques, such as DNA/RNA/protein isolation and analysis, plasmid cloning and cell culture, are required. Experience in phage display research and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is a plus, but not required. Successful candidate will be expected to work independently on projects, generate and analyze data, collaborate with team members, and write manuscripts |
Department Contact for Questions | Alain Bopda Waffo, PhD abopdaw@ui.edu 317-274-7151 |
Additional Qualifications | Candidates should demonstrate a track record of independent productive research, show willingness to help guide junior lab members, have strong organizational, written, and verbal skills, and possess the ability to work both independently, and as part of a laboratory team. |
Special Instructions | |
Priority Application Review Deadline | 01/14/2022 |
Expected Start Date | |
OAA # | IUSM012832016 |