A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Danielle Garsin in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston funded by a recently renewed NIH grant.
The Garsin laboratory studies the molecular aspects of host response to bacterial infection using C. elegans as a model. C. elegans is capable of being infected and killed by a variety of human pathogens and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response. Though ROS can function as part of a protective antimicrobial response, they can also damage the host’s tissue. We discovered and characterized a NADPH oxidase that purposely produces ROS during bacterial infection. The current goals of this ongoing project are to understand (1), how the signaling pathways that respond sense the ROS produced, and (2) how certain peroxidases utilize the ROS to contribute to the immune response. Such studies will require propagation and genetic manipulation of C. elegans, biochemical assays and western blotting, molecular biology and cloning, and both fluorescent and electron microscopy.
Qualifications:
Interested applicants should be highly motivated and have a Ph.D. degree with a strong background in molecular biology. A high preference will be given to those with training in C. elegans biology. A background in bacterial pathogenesis will also be considered. Prior publication in internationally recognized journals is required and candidates should be fluent in spoken and written English.
To apply:
Please send a cover letter with a brief description of research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references in a single pdf file to: Danielle.A.Garsin@uth.tmc.edu.
Salary is commensurate with experience and will follow university guidelines. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.