An NIH-funded Postdoctoral Fellow position is available immediately in the Ogino laboratory in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, Ohio, USA) to study RNA synthesis and processing by nonsegmented negative strand (NNS) RNA viruses. NNS RNA viruses include many life-threatening human pathogens, such as rabies, measles, and Ebola. We have discovered that the mechanism of mRNA capping mediated by a multifunctional NNS RNA viral RNA polymerase is fundamentally different from that of eukaryotic host cells (Mol Cell, 2007, 25, 85-97; PNAS, 2010, 107, 3463-3468). Our long-term goals are to define the structure and function of NNS RNA viral RNA polymerases and to develop anti-NNS RNA viral agents against them.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology. Candidates with previous experience in RNA biochemistry and/or molecular virology are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals with a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae with a list of publications, contact information for three references, and a narrative statement of research experience and interests to Tomoaki Ogino, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine at txo59@case.edu.