Postdoctoral Fellow, Flavivirus Immunology, Virology, and Epidemiology

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

We are seeking a postdoctoral trainee to take on a leading role in the Viral Epidemiology and Immunity Unit (VEIU). In the VEIU, we use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate immunological protection against and susceptibility to emerging and reemerging viral diseases. A major goal of our work is to inform how vaccines can be effectively and safely licensed and used. Specifically, we are interested in three main themes:

• host immunological determinants of long-term protection and disease risk,
• antigenic and genetic viral evolution, and
• interactions between individual immunity and epidemic dynamics.

We use an array of immunological assays paired with computational and epidemiological methods to study complex viral diseases, including dengue and Zika. We work with collaborators on numerous longitudinal cohorts, including studies of natural flavivirus infections and flavivirus vaccines. Additionally, we are establishing a Phase I clinical trial to model sequential dengue exposures using a monovalent vaccine and will leverage systems biology and single cell sequencing techniques to characterize immune responses in the periphery and germinal center. Finally, we are building on our expertise studying interactions among flaviviruses to study other emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2. A postdoctoral trainee joining the current team of 9 in the VEIU will help design projects, develop and establish new assays, conduct high-impact translational research, and interact closely with collaborators based in the US and internationally.

Qualifications:

Candidates holding a PhD who are interested in joining the VEIU and have experience in at least two of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• cellular or systems immunology,
• RNA viruses or virology, and
• epidemiology, biostatistics, or bioinformatics.
• Candidates should have no more than two years of postdoctoral experience.

An applicant with a passion for discovering the determinants of broadly protective immunity; elucidating mechanisms of viral evolution and evolutionary dynamics; and leveraging clinical and observational studies to address fundamental immunological questions would make outstanding addition to our team.

To Apply:

Please email:

• a CV,
• a brief statement of research interests and experience (~1 page),
• a publication or manuscript you have written, and
• names and contact information for at least two references

to: Dr. Leah Katzelnick (leah.katzelnick@nih.gov ). The position is fully funded, available in the next six to twelve months, and may be held for up to five years.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.