Postdoctoral Research Associate

Requisition Details

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

EEO Statement:

UNMC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Location Omaha, NE Requisition Number: 2026 - 279 Department Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology 50000521 Business Unit(College/Institute) College of Medicine FTE:

100

Reg-Temp Full-Time Regular Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM; some evening or weekends Requisition Category Research - Academic Requisition Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Job Title/Academic Rank Postdoctoral Research Associate Additional Requisition Title Appointment Type A1 - REG OTHER ACAD SAL Salary Range Salary is commensurate with experience Job/EEO Category Professional Non-Faculty (Includes Other Academic) Job Requisition Begin Date 08/10/2026

Position Qualification

Position Summary

Dr. Jian Xie's laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), a nationally recognized institution ranked Tier 1 in Primary Care and Tier 2 in Research, is seeking an outstanding candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will investigate the roles of cell surface RNAs and glycoRNAs in viral entry and infection, with a particular emphasis on oncogenic viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV).

Although RNA was traditionally considered to be confined to the nucleus and cytoplasm, recent studies have revealed that a subset of RNAs is glycosylated and displayed on the cell surface (cell surface glycoRNAs) (Cell, 2021; Cell, 2024; Nature, 2026). These discoveries have further led to the unexpected finding that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are common components of the cell surface (Cell, 2025; Nature Biotechnology, 2025; Molecular Cell, 2025). Positioned at the interface between the cell and its environment, cell surface RNAs (csRNAs) and cell surface RNA-binding proteins (csRBPs) are strategically situated to regulate fundamental biological processes, including cell-cell communication, pathogen recognition, and receptor-mediated signaling. Emerging evidence suggests that these newly identified surface molecules form functional complexes with important roles in immune regulation and cancer biology (Cell, 2024; Nature, 2025). However, the mechanistic principles governing their functions during pathogen infection remain unknown.

The Xie laboratory studies virus-host interactions in viral infection, cancer, and innate immunity (PNAS, 2026; PNAS, 2025; Science Advances, 2021; Cell Reports, 2020). Our recent work indicates that csRNAs and csRBPs are critical determinants of HPV infection and may constitute a previously unrecognized class of viral entry receptors. This research is supported by an NIH R35 award and is conducted through strong collaborations with leading laboratories at Yale University and Harvard University. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/jian.xie.3/bibliography/public/

The successful candidate will receive individualized, mentor-guided training and gain access to emerging concepts, experimental systems, and technologies developed by the laboratory and its collaborators. The candidate will design and conduct studies involving RNA and protein biochemistry, virology, cell biology, and molecular biology. Responsibilities will include experimental design; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; presentation of findings at institutional, regional, national, and international scientific meetings; preparation of manuscripts and grant applications; and mentoring of graduate students and other junior researchers, as appropriate. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, creative, collaborative, and intellectually independent, with a strong interest in developing innovative hypotheses and experimental approaches.

Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests, experience, and career goals, and contact information for three references.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Jian Xie, PhD.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in RNA biology, cell biology, biochemistry, virology/microbiology, immunology, genetics, biological sciences, or related field.

Supplemental Qualifications

Experience in RNA biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology is required.

Direct experience with proteomics, live cell imaging or super-resolution, virology, or protein biochemistry is preferred.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The information provided below best describes the Environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the Environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Office environment, Lab environment Other working environment

NA

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

Bending, stooping, twisting Occasionally Crawling Not Applicable Driving Not Applicable Kneeling Occasionally Reaching Occasionally Sitting 2-5 hours Standing Up to 2 hours Squatting Occasionally Walking Up to 2 hours

EXPOSURES

Atmospheric Yes Blood/body fluids Yes Chemical hazards Yes Working on or around moving machinery No Electrical current No Noise No Changes of temperature/humidity No Wear PPE Yes Work with laboratory animals No Radiation Operating hand/power tools No If you answered yes to any area above, please explain

PPE will include lab coat, glove, mask

Hand/Wrists

Fine Manipulation Both Repetitive Motion Both Grasping Both If you selected any area above, please explain

Lab techniques require the use of both hands and wrists

Addtional

Describe any other aspects and demands of the job not listed in this description.

The ability to visualize lab results

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• C.V.

Optional Documents

• Other Doc

Requisition Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have, or will you possess in the near future, a Doctoral degree in the area(s) identified in this posting?

• Yes

• No

• • If you have not yet graduated, can you provide an enrollment verification or enrollment certificate with expected graduation date from your university or institution? This can be uploaded as "other document"

• Yes

• No

• • If you do not yet have the degree required for this position, what is your expected graduation date?

(Open Ended Question)

• • How many published articles do you have?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Of these published articles, how many are you first-author

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please enter the name of your doctoral degree-granting institution.

(Open Ended Question)

• • How many years of postgraduate research experience do you have as of the date you are submitting this application?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please select one of the following:

• I am a U.S. citizen

• I am a non-citizen national of the U.S.

• I am a permanent resident (green card holder)

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status

• • How did you hear about this position?

• Careerlink

• Employee Referral

• HERC

• Indeed

• Job Fair

• Lincoln Journal Star

• Linkedin

• Omaha World Herald

• UNMC Job Site

• Facebook

• NEWorks

• Handshake

• Other

• • If Other, please specify the source. Otherwise, indicate NA.

(Open Ended Question)