We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our laboratory immediately to research the functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in host-pathogen interactions, immune responses, and viral replication. The successful applicant will investigate novel lncRNA interactions with chromatin, mRNAs, and proteins and their contributions to viral infections, including HIV.

The NIH grant funds this position, and the salary follows the NIH standard.

The Role:

The primary focus of this specific position will include the functional characterization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in HIV and other viral infections. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Optimizing and executing CRISPR and antisense-based screens to determine the functions of lncRNAs in the virus-infected cells and their effect on viral replication.
• Developing and executing biological assays to decode lncRNA-protein and lncRNA-DNA interactions using human cell culture systems and primary cells, CRISPR, RNA-seq, RNA antisense pulldown (RAP), chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP), CLIP-seq, mass-spectrometry, protein-chemistry, imaging, and flow cytometry.
• Keep up-to-date with data and the latest literature and discuss findings in lab meetings.
• Interpreting results, analyzing data, writing research publications, and supporting further research activities.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• A highly motivated individual with a recent Ph.D. (0-2 years) and experience in molecular biology /epigenetics/virology.
• Evidence of scientific publications is required.
• Ideal candidate would have training in mammalian cell culture, cloning, previous experience with RNA molecular biology, flow cytometry, computational skills, and biocontainment training (BSL2 and BSL3 levels).

Our group uses computational approaches to detect, characterize, and understand the functions of the human lncRNAome. We use molecular biology, cell biology, and transcriptomic approaches to understand lncRNA functions in infectious diseases, especially viral infections. The scientific and core facilities provide the trainees privileged access to state-of-the-art equipment and an extensive knowledge base.

Qualified individuals could compete for Texas Biomed internal research funding, extramural foundation, and national research grants. In addition, research fellows have numerous career advancement and networking opportunities, such as the Texas Biomed Journal club, the Tuesday Seminar series San Antonio Postdoctoral research forum, the annual vaccine development meeting, and the Annual research symposium at Texas Biomed. In addition to the regional conferences, the candidate will have an opportunity to attend at least one scientific meeting each year to present their work to national and international audiences.

Texas Biomed is a friendly, dynamic, and diverse Institution in the historical, multicultural, and vibrant city of San Antonio. Texas Biomed provides an exceptional quality of work and life environment: low cost of living with excellent access to outdoor activities.

To be considered for the position, send your 1) CV, 2) 3 professional references, and 3) a cover letter addressed to Dr. Smita Kulkarni (skulkarni@txbiomed.org) in addition to applying on our career page.

This is an NIH-grant-funded position for up to 4 years. The position is available for 12 months initially, with the possibility of renewal for 2-3 years, depending on the performance.

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive pay
• 7% Employer-Funded retirement contribution starting day one
• Full insurance benefits
• Onsite Gym & Medical Clinic
• Educational Assistance
• Holidays, PTO, and a paid week off for the last week of December

Who We Are:

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing global human health through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed aims to unravel the mysteries of infectious diseases through innovative thinking, creative problem solving and cutting-edge technologies.

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.

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