Postdoctoral Research Associate, Pathobiology

JOBSUMMARY

Two postdoctoral research associate positions are currently available in the laboratory of Dr. Steven J. Geary at the Department of Pathobiology & Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut. The laboratory research focuses on pathogenic bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma, including comparative genomics and transcriptomics, assessment of cytadherence molecules and host cell receptors, analysis of variably expressed surface lipoproteins and their roles in immune evasion, vaccine development, and immunologic and genetic diagnostics of mycoplasma disease.

The focus of these positions will be to determine mechanisms of pathogenesis of Mycoplasma mycoides sbsp mycoides small colony (Mmmsc) and to use this information to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Mmmsc disease in cattle, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP).

Mmmsc is a high-consequence, foreign animal disease pathogen requiring biosafety level (BSL) 3 containment. This project will be conducted in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Disease Center (NADC) researchers at their facility in Ames, Iowa. The successful candidates will work at either or both locations (Storrs, CT and Ames, IA).

DUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct genomic sequencing and comparative analysis on Mmmsc isolates of varying degrees of pathogenesis.
• Design and construct experimental vaccines based on knowledge gained from genomics and mechanisms of pathogenesis research.
• Design and execute research experiments including:

• in-vivo animal experiments to answer questions regarding proteins and pathways involved in pathogenesis.

• in-vivo animal experiments to assess vaccine construct safety and efficacy.
• Write reports and manuscripts.

MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in microbiology or related field (immunology, molecular biology, vaccinology).
• Research experience in the areas of microbiology, molecular biology.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments and work independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated research productivity.

PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with vaccine research/development.

APPOINTMENTTERMS

The positions are full-time, 12-month appointments. The positions are expected to be annually renewed over the course of the grant funded period based on satisfactory performance and productivity.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

TERMSANDCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #497126 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.