University of Toronto Medical Research jobs

Job Description:

Post-doctoral Fellowship in Mucosal Immunology of Viral Infections: Winnipeg, Canada

Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology,
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

Start date: November 1, 2022
End date: October 30, 2024
UM position number - 32919

A postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Immunology at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg (Canada). Our research is focused on understanding the dynamics of host-pathogen interactions within physiologically relevant 3D cell cultures and tissues by utilizing various imaging static and live-cell microscopy techniques. Specifically, we use "humanized" mouse models of HIV-1 infection to model vaginal HIV transmission events, and study how mucosal factors such as inflammation and underlying infections impacts HIV acquisition risk in vivo. We have recently extended our studies to understand how papillomavirus infection of the female genital tract in mice alters the mucosal immune response, and how changes in the vaginal microbiota impacts disease course and cancer progression.

This postdoctoral position represents a considerable opportunity to learn a valuable and desirable imaging modality in multiphoton intravital microscopy (MP-IVM) as well as other microscopy approaches. This cutting-edge technology is quickly becoming an essential tool for researchers to revisit established biological concepts and/or address new questions within physiologically relevant tissues in vivo. Please see this review for more information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22745423).

Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of this position involve designing and conducting molecular, immunological and in vivo studies involving primary cells and mouse models, analyzing and presenting data, supervising graduate students and other trainees, and drafting research manuscripts and fellowships/grants.

For more information of our work: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=murooka+TT&sort=date

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Virology or related discipline with direct experience with in vivo mouse models.

• Significant knowledge of innate and adaptive immune cell biology, retroviral/lentiviral biology and molecular/immunological techniques.

• Experience in multi-colour flow cytometry analysis of cell phenotype and function.

• A proven record of work published in reputable scientific journals.

• Willingness to contribute to and work in a team environment.

• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.

The Department of Immunology occupies the fourth floor of the beautiful Apotex Building, and encompasses over 18,000 sq feet of open research space, equipment and facilities/cores. A newly renovated, CFI-funded CL2+ tissue culture facility within the Department of Immunology allows work with all viruses to be conducted in one facility. A state-of-the-art MP-IVM imaging suite, in a BSL2+ animal facility, has been established for all imaging work. The University is closely linked to the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Microbiology Lab, and ongoing collaborative efforts between these institutions create one of the strongest research environments in the fields of immunology and infectious diseases in Canada. Close collaborations with the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID) offers opportunities to network with experts in other infectious disease research fields.

For more detailed information on the Department, visit: http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/immunology.

Lab website: www.murookalab.ca

Additional Information:

This position will be a full-time, fixed term employment at the University of Manitoba with a possible starting date of November 1, 2022 for a period of 2 years with possibility of extension. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). We encourage you to self-identify any aspect of diversity in your cover letter.

How to Apply:

Applicants should forward their complete curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter describing their research interests, as well as the names of three references via email to:

Thomas Murooka, PhD
Department of Immunology
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB Canada
Thomas.muurooka@umanitoba.ca
Office: (204) 789 3941
Fax: (204) 789 3921
https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/faculty-staff/thomas-murooka