Postdoctoral Associate, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Our laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral associate focused on defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which bacterial infections drive lymphatic vessel dysfunction and lymphedema progression.

The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary project employing the following methods:

1. Characterization of molecular and cellular perturbations caused by S. aureus strains using single-cell transcriptomics and lineage tracing in murine models of cutaneous infection and lymphatic vessel dysfunction.
2. Delineation of infection-associated signaling cascades and testing the efficacy of pharmacological agents to restore contractile function of lymphatic vessels.
3. Evaluation of the impact of S. aureus toxins on lymphatic vessel dynamics through high-resolution functional imaging.
4. Investigation of targeted inhibition of S. aureus toxins on lymphatic function and host antimicrobial immunity in vivo to determine protective potential against recurrent infections.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral associate will spend at least 80% of their time on research activities, including:

1. Design and execution of murine infection models and assessment of lymphatic vessel function.
2. Performance of single-cell RNA sequencing, lineage tracing, and high-resolution calcium imaging experiments.
3. Analysis and interpretation of transcriptomic, imaging, and functional data.
4. Testing pharmacological interventions and bacterial toxin inhibitors in vivo.
5. Collaboration with clinical and translational research teams.
6. Co-authoring manuscripts, presenting findings at scientific conferences, and contributing to grant preparation.

The remaining 20% may include:

1. Mentoring graduate students and research assistants.
2. Participating in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and institutional seminars.
3. Contributing to manuscript and grant writing efforts.

Appointment Details

Duration: Three years, with possibility of extension based on performance and funding
Salary: $70K

We seek candidates with expertise in vascular biology, immunology, microbiology, or related fields. Strong background in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Experience with murine infection models, particularly cutaneous or soft tissue infection models.
• Proficiency in functional imaging techniques such as intravital imaging
• Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, or lineage tracing approaches.
• Experience with vessel isolation, ex vivo functional assays, or vascular smooth muscle cell biology.

Candidates with expertise in bacterial pathogenesis, toxin biology, host-pathogen interactions, or pharmacological intervention studies are especially encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working at the interface of microbiology, vascular biology, and immunology and conducting hypothesis-driven research with translational implications.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

Email a Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter explaining your research interests to Dennis Jones, PhD, djones1@bu.edu. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.