The Messer laboratory works at the interface between the microbiota and host tissues to understand how healthy host-microbe relationships develop and how they break down in disease. We study infectious and inflammatory diseases at the gut and lung mucosal barriers and investigate how disease that starts at the barrier radiates throughout the body. Our philosophy is that people perform their best work in a supportive environment that challenges them to grow while they are interested and engaged by their work. We strive to provide this environment.

The ideal candidate for this position will have completed, or be close to completing, a Ph.D. degree (or clinical equivalent (M.D., D.V.M, D.D.S., etc.) with at least one year of research experience). Additionally, competitive candidates will have experience in animal and cellular models of infectious or inflammatory disease and microbiology. Experience in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, techniques to interrogate complex microbiota, and protein-protein interaction assays is desirable, but not required.

Principal Investigator: Jeannette Messer, DVM, PhD

Lerner Research Institute Department: Inflammation and Immunity

Lab Research Topics: 

• Infectious and inflammatory diseases
• Mucosal barrier defense
• Host-microbe interactions
• Microbiology and innate immunity
• Therapeutic development
• For more information about the lab’s research, please contact Dr. Messer at [email protected]

Job Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Animal models -including gnotobiotics
• Cell culture -mammalian and microbial
• Immunological and microbiological assays
• Translational work involving patient samples

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting.  Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Desire to work in a dynamic, team-oriented atmosphere.
• Self-directed and highly detail oriented.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Dr. Messer at [email protected]

• CV
• Research Statement (scientific area(s) of interest, goals for fellowship, and career ambitions)
• Contact information for 3 references

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI, Host defense, Immunology, Microbiome, Drug, Antibody, Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, Protozoa, Virulence, Lung, Intestine, Inflammatory bowel disease