An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the immunobiology of donor-specific negative vaccination in murine models islet cell and vascularized organ transplantation in the laboratory of Dr. Xunrong Luo at the Comprehensive Transplant Center of Northwestern University. The long-term objective of this project is the translational application of a tolerogenic negative vaccination protocol in large animal models and eventually in clinical settings of islet cell and solid organ transplantation. The successful candidate will closely interact with the PI as well as with co-PIs Dr. Steve Miller at Northwestern University and Dr. Bernhard Hering at University of Minnesota to investigate the mechanisms of preemptive negative vaccination on tolerizing anti-donor cellular and humoral immunity, and therapeutic strategies particularly in setting of prior sensitization. He/she will utilize an array of techniques (in vivo mouse models of transplantation, tissue culture, cell characterization by FACS, ELISPOTs, Luminex, transcriptome analysis, etc.) to determine the nature and magnitude of anti-donor responses. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to apply for external fellowships from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Society of Transplantation, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and/or the American Society of Nephrology. This position will provide an opportunity to build a novel set of skills and expertise that prepare the candidate for his/her independent research career.
Salary and benefits will be competitive.
Requirements: Successful applicant will be a highly motivated individual preferably with a strong background in cellular immunology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D., and preferably with no more than 5 year of postdoctoral experience. Applicant should be proficient in communication in English.
Contact Person: Xunrong Luo, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Surgery, Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Director, Human Islet Transplant Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Avenue, Searle Research Building 10-525, Chicago, IL 60611; Phone 312-908-8147; Fax 312-503-0622; Emailxunrongluo@northwestern.edu.
To apply: Interested applicants should submit 1) cover letter briefly describing your research accomplishments, interests, and career goals, 2) your CV, and 3) contact information of three references toxunrongluo@northwestern.edu.