National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

The Translational Mycology Section is seeking applicants for two postdoctoral positions to identify and characterize human genetic variants and auto-antibodies associated with susceptibility to fungal infections, focusing on the neuropathogen Cryptococcus from an ongoing cohort of 160 patients. There are multiple aspects that are of particular interest; iPS cells and their handling, creative strategies to achieve functional gene correction using CRISPR nuclease and related approaches.
In addition to molecular correction of human gene sequences, our work utilizes immunogenetics to establish and characterize immunodeficiencies in both human and mouse models. This provides unique opportunities to study biological function of many newly described disease-causing genes involved in aspects including dendritic cell activation, T-cell biology and macrophage biology. The projects are based on whole exome and genome sequences from the largest cohort of previously healthy patients who developed cryptococcal disease. The laboratory is situated within the NIAID intramural research complex in Bethesda MD with over 150 laboratories dedicated to immune biology on site as well as those of all NIH intramural research laboratories including collaborating laboratories in NCI and NINDS. As well as lab-situated 20 color flow cytometers, extensive core facilities can facilitate and train fellows in diverse technologies including intravital microscopy, single cell sequencing and high-dimensional bioinformatics. In addition, a large NIH-wide ancillary post-doc training program is available to facilitate translations to academia or industry including grant writing skills and work-life balance: https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postdoc_irp

• Highly motivated candidate with a Ph.D., MD or equivalent degree in immunology, molecular biology, or related field
• Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture and animal handing is essential
• Excellent organizational skills and record keeping
• Excellent writing skills with an established publication record

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, copy of their curriculum vitae (CV), summary of research interest, and the contact details of three referees to Peter Williamson.

Peter Williamson, MD Ph.D.
Chief, Translational Mycology Section
Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
NIAID, National Institutes of Health
Phone: 301-443-8339
Cell: 301-273-5056
Email: williamsonpr@mail.nih.gov

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