Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The laboratory of Dr. Pinghui Feng and Casey Chen in the Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, located in the University Park Campus, is seeking two postdoctoral scholars to investigate (1) the role of virus-bacteria interactions in herpesvirus-induced neurodegeneration, and (2) unconventional activities of metabolic enzyme in infection and immunity. Current projects include examining the pathogenesis of herpesviruses, the oral microbiome in health and disease, and the bacteria-viral synergism in oral infections. The lab is part of a large research team with projects in cancer biology, neurodegeneration, and osteonecrosis. Opportunities exist for the candidate to expand the scope of research. An ideal candidate will have training (Ph.D. in microbiology or related fields), experience in bacterial genetics, and proficiency in bioinformatics tools.

The research in the lab is centered on understanding the roles of metabolic enzymes in fundamental biological processes, such as viral infection and host defense. We explore herpesvirus infection as a model system to probe the unconventional roles of metabolic enzymes (such as via deamidating proteins), entailing cutting-edge technology, including proteomics, metabolomics, RNA sequencing and conditional knockout or knockin mouse models. For more details, please consult with our recent publications (Nature Metabolism, 2024; Immunity, in press). The lab is a part of a multi-disciplinary and highly interactive team in the Norris Dental Science Center. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to conduct independent and challenging research under the PI’s close supervision and work in a highly collaborative manner.

We are seeking self-motivated and goal-driven postdoctoral candidates, with a PhD or MD/PhD in molecular and cellular biology, microbiology or related fields and be skilled in protein biochemistry and related disciplines. Previous experience with metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics or bioinformatics would be helpful. The candidate should be able to work both independently and in a collaborative environment, with a strong commitment to reaching research excellence and achieving assigned objectives. Please send CV and names of three references to Veronica Elizarraras at elizarra@usc.edu

The University of Southern California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.