Molecular Mechanisms of Innate Immune Responses

A postdoctoral fellow position is immediately available at the Structural Immunobiology Unit, NIAID/NIH for a highly motivated individual to determine the structures of macromolecular complexes involved in innate immune responses. Our research program aims to elucidate how the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sense pathogenic epitopes and in turn initiate downstream signaling cascades for appropriate immune defense. Elucidating the signaling mechanisms in innate immune responses has broad implications in vaccine design and drug development.

The Structural Immunobiology Unit is well funded with state-of-the-art equipment for molecular biology, protein chemistry and crystallography, including participation in dedicated synchrotron beam time at the Argonne National Laboratory. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration and acquiring new skills among the 27 Institutes and Centers at NIH with one of the most diverse groups of international researchers.

We are seeking future career scientists capable of independent thinking and interested in learning new techniques. The ideal candidate must have a M.D. or Ph.D. degree with less than five years of postdoctoral experience. Strong skills in protein expression, purification and molecular biology are essential. Knowledge in protein crystallization and X-ray crystallography is desirable but not required. The candidate must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and will be expected to work in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with experience, supplemented with excellent fringe benefits.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae and names and addresses of three references to:

Tsan Xiao, Ph.D.
Chief, Structural Immunobiology Unit
Laboratory of Immunology
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Building 4, Room 138
4 Memorial Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
Phone: 301-402-9782
FAX: 301-480-1291
E-mail: xiaot@niaid.nih.gov
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/labs/aboutlabs/li/StructuralImmunobiology/