BACTERIAL PATHOGENESIS POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the laboratory of Michael Niederweis in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). We are seeking a motivated scientist to join an NIH-funded research program focused on the only known toxin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis discovered by us. The successful candidate will receive training in host-pathogen interactions using cutting-edge methods in microbiology, biochemistry and structure-based research. Hired researchers will benefit from work in a collaborative and highly successful lab. They will also participate in collaborations within and outside the United States. UAB is consistently ranked among the top US universities for postdoctoral training. The hired fellow will have access to excellent training resources to prepare for an independent career in academia or industry.

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS:

1. Tak et al. (2021). Pore-forming Esx proteins mediate toxin secretion by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Nat. Commun. 12, 394

2. Pajuelo et al. (2018). NAD⁺ depletion triggers macrophage necroptosis, a cell death pathway exploited by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cell Reports 24, 429-440

3. Sun et al. (2015). The Tuberculosis Necrotizing Toxin kills macrophages by hydrolyzing NAD. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 22, 672-678

4. Danilchanka et al. (2014). An outer membrane channel protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with exotoxin activity. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 111, 6750-6755

REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD with training in microbiology and biochemistry.
• A strong publication record and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ambition to reach the next career level with a team player philosophy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct rigorous and original science
• Independently design, perform, and interpret experiments
• Write and publish high-quality peer-reviewed research
• Participate in grant writing
• Supervise and train undergraduate or graduate trainees and/or technicians

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits as per UAB guidelines.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should send their application to mnieder@uab.edu. The application should be a single PDF file including a cover letter with your research accomplishments and career goals (1 page), your curriculum vitae, a list of three references, and three relevant publications. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About our Postdoc Office:

UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.

About the University:

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.

Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with some 25,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact exceeding $7.15 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 14 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and 10 UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2018-2019 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, exceeding $527 million in FY18, including $320 million in NIH funding for FY18. UAB ranks 31st among all universities in federal research funding and 15th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 20th among all universities in NIH funding and eighth among public universities. The UAB School of Medicine is ranked 21st among medical schools in NIH funding and eighth among public medical schools.

UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity, and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.

For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or call (205) 934-8762. Or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.