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Researcher
Postdoctoral Researcher – Viral Mimicry, Innate Immunity & Interactomics Full-time
Postdoctoral Researcher – Viral Mimicry, Innate Immunity & Interactomics
LaCava Laboratory | University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) | Omaha, Nebraska
The LaCava Laboratory at UNMC is recruiting a Postdoc to study how endogenous nucleic acids and retroelement-derived macromolecules trigger viral mimicry and innate immune signaling.
Our laboratory has strong expertise in biochemistry, native affinity capture, quantitative proteomics, and interactomics. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who can complement these strengths by bringing experience in CRISPR/Cas genome engineering, advanced mammalian cell biology, and ideally iPSC culture and differentiation.
Our research focuses on LINE-1 retrotransposons and other endogenous nucleic-acid species, their associated protein complexes, and their roles in innate immunity, inflammation, cancer, and aging. The successful candidate will develop mechanistic studies of how endogenous RNAs, DNAs, and ribonucleoprotein complexes engage innate immune pathways and how host factors regulate these responses.
We are looking for someone who:
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has a PhD or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or a related field;
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has sufficient experience with proteins and protein biochemistry to be comfortable working in a biochemistry- and interactomics-focused laboratory;
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brings complementary expertise, particularly in CRISPR/Cas genome editing and engineered cellular models;
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ideally has experience with iPSC culture, differentiation, or other advanced human cell models;
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is interested in mechanistic studies of viral mimicry, innate immunity, and endogenous nucleic-acid sensing;
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is intellectually curious, collaborative, and interested in developing an independent research direction.
Additional experience in innate immune signaling, functional genomics, transcriptomics, genetic screening, or advanced microscopy would also be valuable.
Previous proteomics experience is not required. The fellow will gain extensive experience in quantitative mass spectrometry, endogenous affinity capture, targeted proteomics, and native interactomics while contributing their own methodological expertise to the laboratory.
This position is particularly well suited to a scientist who wants to combine genome engineering and human cell models with biochemical and proteomic approaches to understand mechanisms of viral mimicry and innate immune activation.
Interested candidates: Please send a CV and a brief description of your previous research and future scientific interests. In particular, please describe the expertise you would bring to the laboratory and the areas in which you would like to develop new skills.