USA Postdoctoral Position in Invertebrate Allorecognition 2013

The Nicotra Lab seeks a postdoctoral associate to work on the molecular basis of invertebrate allorecognition. Allorecognition is the ability to distinguish between one’s own tissues and those of other members of one’s species via cell-cell contact. Colonial invertebrates like corals, marine sponges, and sea anemones use allorecognition to determine whether they will coexist or compete with each other. Our lab has discovered two genes controlling allorecognition in a cnidarian, the hydroid Hydractinia. We are now working to understand how the proteins they encode create specificity and signal to regulate the allorecognition response.
Successful candidates need a solid background in molecular biology. Previous experience working with proteins is a plus. You do not need to have worked with hydroids before—we will teach you what you need to know.
The position is available immediately. Salary support is available for up to three years on a newly funded NSF grant. Pay is commensurate with experience and will follow NIH guidelines.
Our lab is part of the Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. We are broadly interested in recognition phenomena, and specifically focused on invertebrate allorecognition and vertebrate transplant biology. We interact routinely with faculty in the departments across the biological sciences.
To apply: Prospective candidates can contact Matt Nicotra via email (nicotraml@upmc.edu) with a cover letter, CV, and the names of at least two references. More details on the lab and our projects can be found at www.nicotralab.org.