Postdoctoral Scholar
Department of Immunology
Tufts University, School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts

Department Overview

The Department of Immunology maintains research programs that focus on translational and basic research in areas relevant to human disease. Our goal is to become a world-class center for the study of inflammation and the targeted development of novel therapeutics for both treatment and prevention of immune-mediated diseases. The strength of the department lies with an integrated faculty interested in understanding how immunological, physiological and metabolic pathways interact to produce dysregulated, innate and adaptive host responses in a wide array of chronic diseases. These include autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, transplantation, infectious diseases, and others.

Position Description

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work closely with Dr. Bernard Arulanandam (Professor of Immunology, Vice Provost for Research) and his research team to develop novel immunotherapeutics against human bacterial pathogens including Chlamydia and Acinetobacter.

Primary focus in Dr. Arulanandam’s research is to understand the immunopathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis, the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide.  The postdoc. will lead the development of an exciting novel human genital organoid chlamydial infection system to dissect host-pathogen interaction. The long-term research goal is to identify immune targets from this organoid infection system for further development of therapeutics to reduce chlamydial pathogenesis and enhance host protective immunity. This postdoc. candidate will also participate in the development of preventive vaccines and antibody-based treatment against Acinetobacter baumannii, an important multidrug-resistant pathogen of the general population and military personnel.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual able to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced, multifaceted research environment. Main responsibilities of the candidate include design and execution of research projects, presentation and publication of research results, identification of new grant opportunities and playing a major role in the writing and submission of grant applications.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional 2, made on a year-by-year basis, dependent on funding.

Years of related experience: 1-3 years of experience
Required Education: Ph.D.
Required computer skills: working knowledge of Excel, Prism-GraphPad.
Other: Initiative, problem-solving skills, multi-tasking skills, time management skills, and excellent collegiality and collaborative skills are needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

The preferred candidate should have a doctorate in a field related to cell biology, immunology, or microbiology. One to three years of postdoctoral experience is preferred. A record of published scientific research, advanced methodological skills, scientific writing, and scientific presentations are ideal. Successful experiences in grantsmanship and laboratory management is preferred.

Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, 2-3 publications, and the names and contact information of three references to: Angela Lu; angela.lu@tufts.edu