Postdoctoral position – transcriptomics, influenza animal model, T cell

A postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland College Park (UMCP), located just outside Washington DC. The Department of Veterinary Medicine at UMCP is home to numerous excellent scientists in the field of human and veterinary microbiology and infectious diseases. The department provides an excellent research environment and advanced research facilities, including BSL3/ABSL3 suites, to support cutting-edge infectious diseases research. Dr. Jaekeun Park, a new assistant professor who specializes in influenza vaccine development and animal models, is looking for a talented postdoctoral fellow to work with in identifying potential molecular mechanisms of influenza protection and pathogenesis, with special emphasis on T cell responses, using animal models.

Job description

The successful candidate will lead projects investigating transcriptomic signatures of influenza pathogenesis and protection using mouse and ferret models. In particular, bulk and single-cell RNAseq will be extensively used for identifying relevant molecular signatures and pathways. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary research environment and develop/implement pipelines for analyzing transcriptome data obtained in mouse as well as ferret studies using various strains of influenza viruses. The successful candidate will be strongly supported for professional development; they will have numerous opportunities to publish first-author papers, be supported to present their work at national and international meetings, teach and mentor students, and develop collaborative relationships with outstanding scientists and physician-scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, there will be ample opportunities to learn various essential in vitro and in vivo techniques widely used for influenza research. Interested candidates may contact Dr. Jaekeun Park at jpark138@umd.edu for additional information about this position.

Qualifications 

• Ph.D. or an equivalent degree in Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Immunology, Virology, or a related discipline Solid understanding and experience in transcriptomic analysis using programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Linux) and high-performance computing (HPC) Ability to work independently and perform collaborative research in an interdisciplinary team environment Applicants with experience in single-cell transcriptomics are considered a plus. Experiences in virological techniques or animal models are favored but not required.

Salary

Commensurate with research experience and accomplishments

Application materials 

To apply, please send a cover letter (including a brief description of past research accomplishments), CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Jaekeun Park ( jpark138@umd.edu ).

Diversity Statement 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.