Position Overview

The Immune Engineering Laboratory at the University of Kansas and the Kansas Vaccine Institute is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study the features of adaptive immunity to Epstein-Barr virus. The hired candidate will apply recently-invented high-throughput adaptive immune repertoire sequencing and analysis techniques to investigate features of the immune response to primary EBV infections. This project is funded by a 5-year NIH grant to Dr. Brandon DeKosky beginning in 2017. Continuation of the position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding and satisfactory accomplishment of assigned duties.
We seek individuals who are passionate about understanding the mechanisms of adaptive immune protection and leveraging that knowledge to develop novel vaccine and therapeutic strategies. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. at the time of appointment or soon thereafter in immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, microbiology, or a related field. Preference will be given to researchers with backgrounds and experience in functional T cell analysis, and herpesvirus virology.
The University of Kansas (KU) is a major research university with a special strength in the development and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutic proteins. The KU School of Pharmacy is consistently ranked as one of the top five programs in the nation by NIH funding. The hired candidate will also have an opportunity to interact with the Kansas Vaccine Institute, the Higuchi Biosciences Center, the Bioengineering Graduate Program, and the Center for Computational Biology, which are leading research centers at KU in the biological sciences. KU is located in Lawrence, Kansas, about 40 miles from Kansas City. Lawrence is a progressive and cosmopolitan university city of around 100,000 people, with vibrant art, music, and sports scenes.


Job Description

60% Research - Design and execution of experiments
These duties include carrying out original research relative to the laboratory mission. Perform experiments on an individual basis that pertain to current research topics in the department.

20% Reporting - Write reports and papers
Writes technical reports and scientific papers for peer reviewed journals. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of preparation of grants/contracts and proposals for federal, state and charitable organizations and industrial clients.

15% Collaboration - Assist other laboratory members with experiments
Assist the principal investigator to provide experimental and technical supervision of one or more technician, graduate student and/or post-doctoral researchers and/or fellows.

5% Laboratory protocol - Routine lab management
Ensuring systems are in place for efficient planning of lab supplies, records and document management as well as experimental protocols and data, and coordination of good lab practices and lab safety.


Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in the area of immunology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, microbiology, or a related field.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.


Preferred Qualifications

Research experience in functional T cell analysis and herpesvirus virology.

Demonstrated ability to work successfully as part of a collaborative research effort.

Publications or other evidence of scholarly achievement

To apply please click here!