Postdocs in Host-Microbe and -Microbiome Interactions and Women’s Health

Seeking motivated individuals to join the labs of Amanda and Warren Lewis at the University of California San Diego to study the microbiology of sexual and reproductive health in women. The successful candidates will perform independent and collaborative research in a supportive and inclusive environment. We build biochemical systems, small animal models, as well as experimental and computational approaches using bacterial isolates and native human microbiomes to study the dynamic microbiology of the female urogenital system and its impact on the host. Our models investigate mechanistic roles of the microbiome in conditions such as preterm birth, intrauterine infection, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infection. We are especially interested in mechanisms of host-microbe interaction that involve carbohydrate molecules (glycans) and the proteins and enzymes that recognize them. Join our expanding team! Three or four positions will be filled with somewhat differentiated foci: Position 1) computational methods to analyze clinical/translational datasets and assist microbiome-focused mouse work, Position 2) biochemical/molecular/cellular methodologies to define the physiology of microbes and their interactions with host systems in vitro, and Position 3) primary focus on mouse models of pathogenesis that parallel human pathophysiology. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. awarded in the past 18 months or expected within the next 3 months
• A track record of publication
• Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience effectively working both independently and as part of a team
• A passion for issues related to women’s health
• Evidence of scientific rigor in prior work
• Microbiology and glycobiology laboratory skills are welcomed but not essential
• Research expertise in biochemistry, cell biology, computational biology & microbiome sciences, immunology, mouse models, gnotobiotic systems and/or translational research are all welcome!

UCSD is among the top 10 U.S. institutions in NIH funding. There are extensive research resources available in genomics, microscopy, proteomics and metabolomics, analytic glycobiology, and more. 

Competitive salary, benefits, and a relocation stipend will accompany these positions, plus the amazing climate and outdoor adventures available in sunny San Diego! Applicants who are U.S. citizens may be eligible to receive training in an established, NIH-funded K12 fellowship program. We are looking for individuals with diverse personal and professional experiences. We especially encourage women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ to apply. We also aim to increase the representation of men in our research groups.

Applicants should send their CV, names and contact information for three references, and a cover letter in the body of an e-mail describing their interest in these positions, statement of the preferred qualifications you possess, and relevant expertise to:

E-mail: lewislabrecruiting@gmail.com

Lab website:  amandalewislab.com