Postgrad/postbac in HIV and T cell immunology (Ho Lab at Yale University) Full-time

The laboratory of Dr. Ya-Chi Ho, MD, PhD at the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale University (https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/yachiho/) is looking for a highly motivated postgraduate student with a strong interest in translational research and immunology. The goal of our lab is to examine mechanisms of HIV persistence and investigate T cell immunobiology involving virology, immunology (including mouse models), molecular biology, single-cell genomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics. The typical term is 1 year, with extension to the second year if the student makes sufficient progress. The desired start date is June 1, 2026 or earlier. The location is at the Ho Lab at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven.

EDUCATION

The education plan includes: (a) to conduct hypothesis-driven research on important scientific questions, (b) to perform scientific interrogations with rigor and responsibility, (c) to perform data analysis, interpretation, scientific presentation, and scientific communication toward the level of a PhD student, (d) to learn literature review, critical thinking, and scientific methods, (e) to develop deep and broad knowledge in HIV virology and immunology, (f) to develop responsible conduct in wet-lab based research, and (g) to ask scientific questions and pursue scientific interrogations with strong curiosity, scientific premise, rigor, and reproducibility. These are essential training preparing the student for biomedical PhD applications.

TRAINING

The postgrad student is expected to receive training in some or all of these aspects and is expected to gain independence after appropriate training: (a) processing blood and tissue samples from people living with HIV using sterile cell culture techniques in an enhanced biosafety level 2 (BSL2+) setting after appropriate biosafety training, (b) examining HIV-host interactions using HIV-1 genomic sequencing, single-cell RNAseq, viral outgrowth cultures, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, CRISPR-mediated gene expression modulation, and bioinformatics analysis, (c) working on mouse models for immunology mechanistic testing. The postgrad student is expected to keep lab records, perform careful experimental procedures, follow biosafety procedures, design experiments, perform data analysis, troubleshoot, proactively discuss with lab members and PI, actively search and read relevant literature, present in our lab meetings, including research progress and journal clubs, (d) participate in laboratory maintenance and various collaborative projects with other lab members, (e) follow high standards of rigor, reproducibility, and responsible conduct of research, under supervision by the PI, current postgrad, graduate students, or postdocs.

MENTORING

Under supervision by Dr. Ho, current postgrad, graduate students or postdocs, the postgrad student may design experiments, perform data analysis, and present data in laboratory meetings and journal clubs. The postgrad will meet with PI and supervisor on a weekly basis with two lab meetings a week. The postgrad may attend relevant departmental seminars, including Microbiology and Immunobiology research in progress and seminars by external speakers.

QUALIFICATIONS

A recent (<2 years) bachelor’s degree in a science discipline (or current undergrad students who will graduate by May 2026) and prior hypothesis-driven wet-lab bench research experience in research labs is required. Experience in sterile cell culture skills and mouse experiments is preferred though not required. Prior experience in HIV is NOT required. Individuals who are willing to learn new techniques, lead independent project, read scientific literature autonomously, and who are proficient in multi-tasking are preferred. The recruitment is at rolling basis.

PROCESS TO APPLY

Email [Please click the Apply button for the link or address] with:

1. CV
2. Contact information of three references
3. Cover letter indicating your background and interest in the lab

Tagged as: Data Science, Life Sciences