Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Engman Lab
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA

Postdoctoral Fellowships are available in the Engman Lab at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a UCLA affiliate, in two areas: (1) molecular cell biology of trypanosomes, (2) pathogenesis of autoimmune and infectious myocarditis.

Molecular Cell Biology of Trypanosomes.
This research group focuses primarily on novel cellular processes within the parasite that can be exploited for innovative drug targets. Major areas under investigation include: (i) biogenesis of the flagellum and mitochondrion, (ii) surface membrane organization and function with specific attention to the flagellar membrane as a sensory platform, (iii) mechanism of host cell invasion by Trypanosoma cruzi, (iv) genome-based drug discovery for trypanosomiasis and (v) proteomics of post-translational modifications of parasite proteins.

Autoimmune and Infectious Heart Disease.
This research group studies Chagas heart disease pathogenesis and the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune myocarditis. Currently we are studying: (i) the contributions of parasite immunity and autoimmunity in Chagas disease pathogenesis, (ii) mechanisms of induction of autoimmunity during T. cruzi infection, (iii) molecular mimicry in Chagas disease, (iv) renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems in immune regulation, (v) antigen-specific peripheral tolerance induction for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune myocarditis.

The career development of the postdoc in preparation for a career in academia or industry will be a priority. Focus on development of both experimental and nonexperimental research skills. Applicants should be in final year of PhD or in the first postdoctoral fellowship. Please send a letter of interest including a statement of career goals and a curriculum vitae to Dr. David Engman at david.engman@csmc.edu.