Careers and Jobs

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION
Laboratory of Dr. Kathy Shair | University of Pittsburgh
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center | Cancer Virology Program
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213  U.S.A.
 
The laboratory of Dr. Kathy Shair is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to study Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in the field of virology or cancer biology. Applicants should have a strong affinity for interdisciplinary science. Experience with herpesvirus reactivation, viral gene regulation, or the use of 3-D cell culture models will be highly ranked. This project will take advantage of state-of-the-art 3-D organotypic rafts and air-liquid interface (ALI) culture systems developed by the Shair lab to investigate EBV molecular pathogenesis in the nasopharyngeal epithelium. The successful candidate will be trained on 3-D cell culture and will have exciting opportunities to work with bioinformaticians and physician-scientists. The ideal candidate will have independent thinking, experimental rigor, and evidence of scientific writing and presentation. 
 
The Shair laboratory uses 3-D cell culture models and bioinformatics to elucidate EBV molecular pathogenesis in NPC. The lab is collaborative with projects that involve systems biology (single-cell RNA-sequencing) and the use of human samples that are processed in a BSL2+ facility. Current projects include: 1) viral and cellular determinants of EBV latent and lytic infection in the nasopharyngeal epithelium; 2) discovery of biomarkers for the early detection and risk assessment of NPC and 3) EBV oncogenic signaling mechanisms. Our mission is to understand the molecular basis of EBV oncogenesis and how the regulation of EBV latent-lytic infection contributes to cancer. The University of Pittsburgh consistently ranks in the top 5 of NIH biomedical research funding. The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that was recently ranked #7 by US News & World Report. The Shair lab is part of the Cancer Virology Program in the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center where there are excellent shared facilities and training opportunities for PhD-level scientists. Shair lab members are encouraged to take advantage of the Cancer Center-led Women’s Task Force and other Institutional career development opportunities administered through the Postdoctoral Affairs Office. 
 
Interested Candidates should apply at the following link: Job Description - Post Doctoral Associate (22000453) (taleo.net) 
 

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE POSITION
Laboratory of Dr. Thomas E. Smithgall | University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, 15219  U.S.A.


Job Description - Post Doctoral Associate (22007870) 

Post Doctoral Associate
Med-Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (22007870)
 

A postdoctoral position is available focused on medicinal chemistry optimization of small molecule inhibitors of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases with potential for development as therapeutics for myeloid leukemia. The position requires a recent Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry and an interest in medical chemistry/drug development. The incumbent will have an opportunity to gain experience with methods for inhibitor analog characterization including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis of small molecule binding kinetics to kinase protein targets, in vitro kinase activity assays, protein crystallization, and X-ray diffraction for structure determination, and cell-based assays for anti-leukemia efficacy evaluation in vitro.

Synthetic organic chemistry/medicinal chemistry optimization will be supervised by Dr. Prema Iyer, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Salk Hall. Analog characterization using biochemical, structural, and cell-based approaches will be supervised by Dr. Thomas Smithgall, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine.  Interested candidates should apply here.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT STAFF POSITION
Laboratory of Dr. Nara Lee| University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, 15219  U.S.A.


Research Assistant
Med-Microbiology and Molecular Genetics - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (22009147)
 

A Research Assistant position is available a laboratory in the Department of MMG at Bridgeside Point II. The Lee lab employs an RNA-centric perspective to study how viruses manipulate their host utilizing noncoding RNAs to benefit their life cycle. Model systems include Epstein-Barr virus and Influenza virus research. The incumbent is expected to have prior wet lab experience in standard molecular biological techniques (e.g., cloning, protein purification, or tissue culture work) and be a quick learner. Candidates with experience in computational biology will be preferred. This research assistant will conduct research under direct supervision of the principal investigator.

 Bachelor's degree with at least two years of experience required. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted per university guidelines. Prior wet lab experience is required.  Interested candidates should apply here.

RESEARCH Technician RBL STAFF POSITION
Laboratory of Dr. JoAnne Flynn| University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, 15219  U.S.A.

 

The incumbent will work as part of a team conducting research on tuberculosis. Responsibilities will include using advanced molecular, immunologic, and microbiologic assays on blood and tissues specimens from animals experimentally infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The incumbent will follow established protocols, troubleshoot protocols as necessary, and collect and analyze data. Much of the work will be conducted at either BioSafety Level-2 or at BioSafety Level-3 in the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, requiring a DOJ background check. The incumbent will assist senior researchers in developing research proposals and papers and maintain organized records. Experience with infectious disease research or immunologic techniques such as FACS and ELISPOT is a plus.

 

Bachelor level degree with preference given to those with degrees in biology, immunology, molecular biology, or chemistry. At least 1 year experience in an immunology, microbiology, or a related laboratory.  Interested candidates should apply here.