Bacterial Pathogenesis Postdoctoral Position

Bacterial Pathogenesis Postdoctoral Position

A 2-year, NIH-funded postdoctoral position with the possibility of extension is available in the Pukatzki Lab at the University Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. The successful candidate will examine the in-vivo role of the type VI secretion system (T6SS) in the cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. This system promotes the exchange of toxins between bacteria, which is lethal to the receiving cell unless an immunity protein is made that sequesters the incoming toxin. Vibrio cholerae uses its T6SS to compete with other bacteria, including members of the commensal flora. This project will take a genetics/microscopy approach to determine how the T6SS contributes to transmission and persistence, identify small molecules that clear infections by inducing self-killing, and/or study the horizontal transfer of T6SS effector immunity modules. These findings should lead to a better understanding of T6SS-mediated virulence and the development of alternative therapeutic strategies, a much-needed endeavor in light of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant variants.

Candidates are required to have obtained a Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, or related disciplines within the last four years with a strong publication record. Technical expertise in genetic manipulation of bacteria and the use of host models are an asset. Salary is competitive with NIH standards.

The Department of Immunology & Microbiology provides an interdisciplinary atmosphere to study innate immunity and its impact on adaptive immune function, host-pathogen interactions, and the role of the microbiome on immune function and outcomes of infection.

Please submit a single PDF file consisting of a cover letter, a one-page research statement (including future goals), an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a list of three references, and three relevant publications to stefan.pukatzki@ucdenver.edu.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Relevant publications:

Kirchberger, P.C., Unterweger, D., Provenzano, D., Pukatzki, S., Boucher, Y.: Sequential displacement of type VI secretion system effector genes leads to evolution of diverse immunity gene arrays in Vibrio cholerae. Scientific Reports, Article number: 45133. 2017.

Unterweger, D., Kostiuk, B., Oetjengerdes, R., Wilton, A., Diaz, L., and Pukatzki, S.: Chimeric adaptor proteins translocate diverse type VI secretion system effectors in Vibrio cholerae. EMBO Journal: 34(16): 2198-2210. 2015.

Unterweger, D., Miyata, S.T., Bachmann, V., Brooks, T., Provenzano, D., Pukatzki, S.: The Vibrio cholerae type VI secretion system employs diverse effector modules for intraspecific competition. Nature Communications, 5, Article number: 3549, doi:10.1038/ncomms4549. 2014.