A position for a postdoctoral research associate is available in the laboratory of Dr. Felicia Goodrum at the University of Arizona in the Department of Immunobiology and the BIO5 Institute. The current focus of our research program is to elucidate the molecular virus-host interactions that contribute to persistence and the context-dependent outcomes of infection using human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a model. HCMV is one of eight human herpesviruses that persists in 60-99% of the human population through a latent infection that is asymptomatic in most individuals. However, HCMV is the leading cause of infectious disease-related birth defects and can cause life-threatening pathology in immunocompromised individuals. HCMV is a very complex virus encoding at least 170 open reading frames providing a rich platform for investigating complex virus-host interactions. We have discovered a novel viral locus unique to clinical strains that encodes four proteins with dynamically opposed functions in latency. We believe these proteins dictate the outcome of viral infection and will serve as unique targets for therapies that target latently infected cells. The laboratory’s approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms for HCMV persistence combines sophisticated primary hematopoietic, fibroblast and endothelial cell models, molecular virology and recombinogenic engineering to identify virus-host interactions underlying latency. Latent viral coexistence is one of the least understood phenomena in virology, but one critically important to understanding the impact of latent viruses on our biology and viral pathogenesis. Successful applicants will join a collegial and interactive research group located in the state-of-the-art BIO5 Institute.
To apply
Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis throughout 2013.
Please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names/contact of three references to Dr. Felicia Goodrum (fgoodrum@email.arizona.edu).
A strong foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology is a must. Expertise in molecular virology and/or protein biochemistry is highly desired.
We encourage applications from women and minorities.
Full benefits eligible.
Salary commisurate with experience and skill set.