Job Board > Postdoctoral Fellow - Simon Fraser University
A postdoctoral position is available starting January 2019 in the research group of Dr. Ralph Pantophlet at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada.
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 stem of flu HA. 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. This project is aimed to contribute directly to the development of next-gen flu vaccines.
Required scientific background and expertise:
1) A PhD or MD/PhD degree in immunology or other closely-related discipline within the last 16 months with a strong publication record in mid- to top-tier journals
2) High proficiency with the following techniques :
o Mammalian cell culture;
o Molecular biology;
o Recombinant protein expression and purification (e.g. affinity chromatography or FPLC);
o Multi-color flow cytometry;
o PBMC isolation;
o Methods for studying protein/protein interactions (e.g. Surface Plasmon Resonance or Bio-layer interferometry).
Preference will be given to applicants experienced in B cell immunology, antibody cloning and B cell repertoire analyses. Knowledge of anti-viral immune responses or molecular modeling will be considered assets.
Additional requirements:
Strong interpersonal skills with experience in designing experiments and achieving goals.
Strong self-motivation and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrable ability to assist junior trainees (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students).
Demonstrable ability to arrange and present data using computer graphics software.
Demonstrable ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Excellent verbal and written English communication and organizational skills.
Demonstrable ability to draft high-quality manuscripts for publication
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 and for 2 years initially, with possibility for extension based on performance and funding.
To be considered, applicants should send an email to Dr. Ralph Pantophlet that includes:
1) A clear and specific description of short- and long-term career goals and how joining the Pantophlet Lab fits within these goals;
2) A detailed academic CV; and
3) The names of three academic references.
4) Applicants whose first language is not English must also provide evidence of excellent English proficiency in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (IELTS Band Score 8 or better). English proficiency tests (academic NOT general) must be from October 2017 or later.
All applicants meeting the criteria above are encouraged to apply. Applications will be continually reviewed until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Ralph Pantophlet (rpantophlet[at]sfu.ca)
