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Post Doctoral Associate

Job Description


MOLECULAR VIROLOGY POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

 

Join the Somasundaran/Schiffer labs in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology and Institute for Drug Resistance at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Our multidisciplinary research team focuses on virus-cell interactions and the discovery of antiviral drug candidates. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to study virus entry mechanisms and neutralization using Influenza and SARS-CoV2 as model systems, to elucidate the roles of HA-mediated and Spike-mediated membrane fusion, and to develop the next generation of viral entry inhibitors and small molecule antivirals.

 

See our recent publication - https://www.cell.com/structure/pdf/S0969-2126(22)00050-8.pdf

http://www.umassmed.edu/schifferlab and https://profiles.umassmed.edu/display/133185

 

Applicant must have (or expect to obtain shortly) a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field, MD or equivalent.  Experience with Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and/or Cryo EM is highly preferred. Proficiency in cell culture techniques and biosafety procedures is desired. The candidate is expected to work closely with an interdisciplinary research team and must be motivated to acquire new experimental skills.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:  

Influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV2 are causative agents of respiratory infections associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both pathogens pose a public health threat for which currently available vaccines are not always completely protective. Combating rapidly evolving pathogens evading immune pressures and resisting antivirals, along with emerging new human pathogens underscore the urgent need for defining the key pathways in virus-host cell interactions, entry and replication. Our studies focus on molecular virology, molecular biology, and structural biology of HIV, Influenza and SARS-CoV2 entry, neutralization, replication and inhibitors.  We use several experimental models, including in vitro cell culture systems, structure-based drug design, computational approaches and Cryo EM, to study disease pathogenesis.  Our goal is to identify primary targets in virus attachment, entry and replication, and to quantitatively characterize virion morphology and glycoprotein density in its native state that can be used to design therapeutic strategies as well as next generation antivirals to thwart infection and disease progression. 

ENVIRONMENT:  

The host labs have a vibrant culture that supports academic research.  Sufficient funding has been obtained to fully support the proposed research.  The Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at the UMass Chan Medical School has outstanding resources for molecular biology/virology using modern research tools and structural biology using Cryo EM. 

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, experience and skills required

  • D. in Biological Sciences or a related field, MD, or equivalent
  • Experience with Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and/or Cryo EM highly preferred
  • Proficient in cell culture techniques and biosafety procedures
  • Excellent laboratory skills, analytical skills and independent judgement
  • Highly motivated to apply skills towards solving biological problems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate with precision and tact
  • Meticulous record keeping, proficiency with databases
  • Works well on an interdisciplinary research team and highly collegial

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

The Somasundaran/Schiffer labs strongly support postdoctoral researchers for their future career, including academic and biotech/pharma opportunities. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, prospective, and backgrounds. 

To apply:

Applications require CV and 3 references.

To apply or for more information contact Dr. Mohan Somasundaran Mohan.Somasundaran@umassmed.edu

 

Brief, non-technical description:

 

A postdoctoral position is available in the Somasundaran/Schiffer labs to work on high-risk human pathogenic virus-cell interactions and the discovery of antiviral drug candidates. Applicant must have a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or related field, MD or equivalent, and excellent laboratory skills, including proficiency in Virology and Molecular Biology, cell culture techniques and biosafety procedures. The candidate is expected to work closely with an interdisciplinary research team.



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