Two postdoc positions are available immediately for motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to join a new, innovative team based at the Wellcome Trust funded Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), a state of the art facility located in the sub-tropical city of Durban on the Indian Ocean in South Africa.
The TB granuloma is the hallmark of human TB infection, and yet remains something of an enigma. Animal models used to study TB varying in their ability to generate canonical TB granuloma and infected human lung tissue is hard to obtain. Through an on-going collaboration with local cardiothoracic surgeons we obtain fresh tissue samples from TB infected patients undergoing lung resection surgery on a weekly basis. With this unique resource and the state of art facilities available at AHRI this research will shed new light on human TB granuloma biology.
The focus of the two positions are:
i) Discovering the antigen specificity of T and B-cell that form controlling and progressing granuloma using next generation sequencing, state of the art imaging and bioinformatics. (Bill &Melinda Gates funded position, in collaboration with Prof Sam Behar at University of Massachusetts)
ii) Developing a in 3D in vitro human granuloma model using primary human lungs cells to uncover the immune correlate of Mtb control at the granuloma level (UK MRC funded in collaboration with Dr Paul Elkington at University of Southampton).
Both positions are set in a pre-existing lab environment with good access to state-of-art facilities on site (multiple flow cytometers, cell sorters and immunohistochemistry equipment including laser capture micro-dissection, next gen sequencing, bio-electrosprayer (for 3D model)). These positions will also benefit from an integrated network of innovative international and local collaborations that combines unique human tissue samples and state of the art technology.
Required experience and qualifications:
- PhD in relevant scientific area with a particular focus on immunology
- Expertise in basic immunological assays and experience with flow cytometry, molecular biology and/or bioinformatics
- Hands-on experience with cell culture assays of primary immune cells
- Ability to work independently and draft own manuscripts
- Excellent English written and communication skills
Good interpersonal skills with ability to work in a team
The positions are full time and will be open from June 1, 2017 (or as soon as possible hereafter).
To include in your application:
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation including a brief description of project-related research experience (maximum 1-2 pages)
- Complete publication list
- Full contact details of 2-3 references; letters of recommendation may be included
Email your application (and any further questions) to Dr Al Leslie at al.leslie@ahri.org
The deadline for applications is June 1, 2017