Postdoctoral position in immunology - April 2013, USA

Interested candidates are invited to apply for a postdoctoral position in immunology, with an emphasis on microevolution of immune function in natural populations. With funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Dr. Dan Bolnick’s research group (at the University of Texas at Austin) is investigating the immunological and genetic basis of adaptation to diverse communities of helminth parasites of the three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). The stickleback has long been a major model organism in evolutionary genetics, ecology and behavior, and the recent publication of many stickleback genome sequences and development of transgenic methods offers new opportunities. The Bolnick lab is searching for an immunologist for a two year postdoctoral position to develop new methods for studying immune function in this model organism. The postdoc can help determine the nature of these methods. The postdoc will help apply these tools to understand vertebrate resistance or tolerance of parasites, and to study within-population variation and between-population divergence in immune function. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for conducting laboratory research, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Involvement with field research is an option.
Candidates should have a Ph.D. in immunology or a related field, and a proven record of research in immunology, evidenced by successful publishing in scientific journals. Good communication skills are essential.
The postdoctoral position comes with a competitive salary, as well as health insurance and retirement investment benefits. The position’s start date is negotiable. The position’s duration is approximately 2 years (through August 2015), and might be extended if additional funding is acquired. The postdoc will be an employee of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, with an additional appointment at the University of Texas at Austin.
To apply: To apply for the postdoctoral position, please send a CV, pdfs of at least 2 relevant papers, and a cover letter summarizing your qualifications. In the cover letter, you are encouraged to include a brief proposal of the kinds of immunological or genetic tools you could develop for stickleback, and their relevance for understanding host-parasite interactions and/or coevolution. Please provide contact information for at least two references.
Applications will be reviewed starting April 15, but the position will remain open until filled by a suitable candidate. Please contact Dr. Daniel Bolnick (danbolnick@austin.utexas.edu) for inquiries.
The Bolnick lab’s research focuses on evolutionary ecology of trait variation within populations, including variation in diet, courtship traits, and immune function. More information on research in the lab can be found at https://webspace.utexas.edu/dib73/Bolnicklab/Bolnicklab.htm?uniq=5ptsas.
More information on the Section of Integrative Biology can be found at http://www.biosci.utexas.edu/ib/.
HHMI and the University of Texas are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.