Molecular dissection of host-pathogen innate/adaptive immune responses

Job summary

A postdoctoral position is available in Professor Francisco Lozano/Ana Angulo laboratory. The position involves working with a team of scientists studying the genetic and functional characterization of receptors of the innate and adaptive immune system and their role in host-pathogen interactions.

1) the identification of an unprecedented function of lymphocyte surface receptors (namely CD5 and CD6) on the recognition of conserved components from microbial surfaces (either bacterial, fungal or viral) and the potential use of these proteins for the treatment of sepsis and other inflammatory disorders of infectious and noninfectious origin; and

2) to unveil key molecular determinants in the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, defining mechanisms of transcriptional control of this pathogen and identifying the role of specific CMV-encoded proteins in acute and latent infections.

The purpose of this programme of work will be to study the immunomodulatory properties of lymphocyte receptor-mediated interactions with either exogenous and/or endogenous natural ligands during normal and pathological immune responses to infectious, autoimmune, and/or tumoral aggressions, as well as the modulation of the immune response by CMV and immunoevasion strategies. This will imply cutting-edge translational research and exploring innovative approaches to bridge laboratory investigation to clinical research

2. The project is likely to involve some or all of the following techniques:

• Cellular and Molecular Immunovirology.
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Development of genetically modified mice (either transgenic or knockout).
• Experimental mouse models of infectious, autoimmune or tumoral disorders.

Main Duties

To conduct research investigating the structure and function of receptors involved in the communication between components of the innate and adaptive immune system and pathogens.

Duties and Responsabilities

• To contribute to the design and planning of experiments in relation to this project
• To develop a thorough understanding of the research field and be involved in the intellectual decision making process required for successful completion of the project
• To set up and run experiments in consultation with the Principal Investigator
• To record, analyse and write up the results of experiments and ensure that laboratory notebooks are kept fully up to date as a formal record of the research
• To prepare and present findings of research to the Principal Investigator and other members of the centre
• To prepare progress reports on research
• The post holder may be required to perform some limited teaching and/or supervision of other members of staff and/or students, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Responsible for ensuring that designated equipment is safe and maintained in good working order
• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder
• The post holder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the Principal Investigator

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in a life science discipline
• PhD in an appropriate life science discipline

Desirable:

• Basic knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology, Virology and/or Immunology.
• Publications in high impact factor peer reviewed journals

Skills

Essential:

• Abilitity to develop ideas logically and design experiments to test hypotheses
• Ability to modify and apply new methods to advance a project
• Ability to analyse and write up data for presentations and publications
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Record of delivering high quality research

Desirable:

• Research skills in Basic Cellular and Molecular Biology techniques.
• Expertise in experimental mouse models
• Ability to direct junior members of the laboratory in simple laboratory procedures

Experience

Essential:

Experience of working in a research environment

Desirable:

Experience of multi-disciplinary working

Personal Qualities

Essential:

• Commitment to high quality research
• Ability to work effectively as part of the team
• Ability to work independently and to use own initiative when required

(Read eligibility criteria)