Job Board > Postdoctoral Researcher - Simon Fraser University
A postdoctoral position is available as of September 2018 in the research group of Dr. Ralph Pantophlet at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. The Pantophlet Lab is seeking to develop novel strategies and approaches for the design of immunogens that elicit virus-neutralizing antibodies. Influenza and HIV-1 are of particular interest.
The prospective researcher will focus on the role of B cell and T-follicular helper cell dynamics and immunogen design elements in the priming and promotion of broadly neutralizing antibody responses to the CD4-binding site of HIV-1 gp120. One particularly novel aspect of this work will involve the use of animals genetically engineered to produce human-like antibodies, thus providing a surrogate read-out for possible neutralizing antibody responses in humans. She/He will use a large variety of techniques, encompassing molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunology. Training will be provided but extensive hands-on experience in mammalian tissue culture and immunology techniques such as ELISA, ELISPOT and 8+ color flow cytometry are required. Expertise or training in B cell immunobiology and antibodies or systems serology is therefore desirable.
All applicants for this position must be within 2 years of having obtained their PhD and have a proven track record of productivity (first authorship in medium-to-high impact peer-reviewed international journals in the field of research). Applicants must also have excellent English communication skills and demonstrated capacity to work autonomously. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a strong work ethic, self-motivation, critical thinking, and superb data management/organizational abilities. Participation in the design/planning of experiments, the drafting of manuscripts for publication, the mentoring of junior trainees, and presentation of research work at relevant conferences is expected. Opportunity will be available for professional development via the Office for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Salary will be commensurate with stipend levels of a CIHR postdoctoral fellowship, albeit that successful applicants are expected to be sufficiently competitive to apply for external postdoctoral funding (MSFHR, CIHR, etc) within the first 12 months. The post is full-time.
All applicants meeting the criteria above are encouraged to apply. Applications will be continually reviewed until the position is filled.
To be considered, applicants should send an email to Dr. Ralph Pantophlet (rpantophlet[at]sfu.ca) that includes a clear description of short- and long-term career goals and specifically how joining the Pantophlet Lab fits within these goals; a detailed academic CV; and the names of three academic references.
