Postdoctoral Scientist Molecular Virology and Vaccine Development

The Role : Are you excited about preventive and therapeutic viral vaccines? We are seeking a molecular virologist microbiologist to join our laboratory immediately and develop novel mucosal vaccine platforms. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral fellow with experience in vector design and vaccine research to join our team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. This full-time position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual passionate about advancing vaccine development and translational research. Our Lab is focusing on novel epithelial stem cell-based vaccine platforms for the prevention and control of viral disease. We are currently using a single-cycle attenuated replication-defective vaccine strategy to prevent or control HIV infection using the SIV/Nonhuman Primate Model for AIDS. We are particularly focusing on the early phase of transmission, the generation of specific cellular and humoral immune responses, mucosal and innate immunity. We are also interested in developing novel mucosal lentiviral-based vaccine against HPV/HIV and TB. This full-time position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual passionate about advancing vaccine development and translational research. Proof-of-concept studies will be conducted in mice and nonhuman primate models. The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting laboratory assays from the making, optimization, and generation of HIV-based vector vaccine candidates, various routes of administration to the animal models, monitoring of immune responses, challenge experiments and assays involving detection and recovery of the micro-organisms, cellular cell phenotyping, ELISPOT and ELISA assays, immunohistochemistry, imaging and confocal analysis, cytokines and chemokines measurement. The selected candidate will work as a team player in a collaborative environment using cutting-edge methods to understand the pathogen-host interactions and correlate(s) of protection. Education/Experience/Skills: Required: Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in molecular biology, virology, immunology or related scientific discipline from an accredited university with major course work in infectious diseases. Experience in standard lab techniques and molecular virology methods. Highly skilled in molecular biology and vector design. Previous postdoc experience with at least three (3) years laboratory bench research experience. Strong background in virology and immunology including analysis of the immune responses, cell imaging, will be a plus. Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written). Ability to perform as a team member with good interpersonal skills. Preferred: Background in HIV and SIV; experience working in BSL-2+ setting and with nonhuman primate models. At least (5) years of research experience in Molecular Immunology and Virology. Hard working with strong organizational skills, attention to detail and a desire for accuracy. Experience with vaccine research and development, PCR/RT-PCR, cloning, transformations, plasmid productions and purifications. Experience working in non-human primate (NHP) research will be a plus. In addition to applying on our career site, interested applicants should upload a cover letter summarizing their research interests in our lab, past research, laboratory experience, and a curriculum vitae. Who We Are: Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health. Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research A federally-designated National Primate Research Center More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval What We Can Offer You: Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust! Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)! An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 7% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)! Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December ) On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management! On-site gym & wellness programs! Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance! Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally. We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity. Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Requirements: Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. PI272144539