MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London
Science for Health
Postdoctoral Scientist
Innate immune responses in influenza and other respiratory infections
Division of Immunoregulation
Ref: IRC89971
A Postdoctoral Scientist (Career Development Fellow) position is open in Dr. Andreas Wack’s group in the MRC - National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in London, UK. We are interested in infection by influenza virus and try to understand how early, innate responses contribute to protection or pathogenesis. One of our aims is to determine the role of interferons (IFNs), and we have identified a range of in vivo models where type 1 IFNs appear to promote inflammation and disease rather than virus elimination. The successful applicant will study in detail one such model that involves kinase-deficient mice, with the aim of understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease phenotype.We are also interested in the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in respiratory infections and have generated mice deficient in a transcription factor that likely affects survival and cytokine profile of ILC subsets. Analysis of this in vivo model is also available within this position and will further our understanding of transcription factor requirements for ILC function in infectious disease.
The successful applicant will have (or will be close to obtaining) a PhD in immunology or a closely related discipline. She/he will use globally and conditionally gene-targeted infection models to study the roles of the relevant kinase and of IFNs in influenza infection. In addition, the post doc will assess the role of transcription factor-deficient ILCs in a variety of infections. She/he will analyze innate immune cell function ex vivo and in vitro by flow cytometry and functional assays and by performing biochemical and transcriptional analyses on the relevant cell types. We have state of the art core facilities for flow cytometry and high throughput sequencing. Candidate postdoctoral fellows with experience in immunological studies in vivo and a strong interest in innate immune responses to influenza and other respiratory infections are encouraged to apply.
This Postdoctoral Scientist position is a 3 year fixed-term MRC funded Career Development Fellowship (CDF). CDFs are training and development positions for postdoctoral scientists who have either recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline, have limited previous experience of key transferable skills, or are clinically qualified with little or no research experience. They provide opportunities to develop research project skills and develop collaborative links with colleagues within the Institute and elsewhere.
Benefits
The salary range for this 3 year fixed-term Band 4 post is from £27,966 per annum inclusive of Location Allowance. Membership of MRC Final Salary Pension Scheme is available.
Additional benefits include 30 days annual leave per annum; options for flexible working; support for training and development; and good sport/social club facilities and staff restaurant.
Closing date: 24 May 2013
How to apply
Further details of this post may be found by following the 'Apply online' link below.
Your application, along with a covering letter and full CV, should be made online.
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Recruitment section contact details
Email: rcukjobs@ssc.rcuk.ac.uk or telephone 01793 867003, quoting reference IRC89971.
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