Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow who will participate in malaria studies focusing on uncovering the mechanisms underlying severe malaria, with the long-term goal of accelerating the development of novel vaccines and therapies. This includes work elucidating how sickle cell trait provides protection against malarial disease. We are particularly focused on cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Translational studies include transcriptional, proteomic, and custom microarray studies examining parasite gene expression in different disease states and the host immune response.

The CVD involves scientists and physicians working in all phases of vaccine development. The CVD is a highly interactive environment that has earned an international reputation for genetically engineering and testing vaccines against a wide variety of enteric and other infections, including malaria, COVID-19 and influenza. Based in the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, the CVD was established in the 70's as one of the first facilities to evaluate vaccines in community volunteers, both nationally and in developing nations. It is one of only a handful of vaccine centers in the world engaged in the full range of vaccinology: from basic science through vaccine development, immunological studies, clinical evaluation, and field studies.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field and/or M.D. degree, experience in the study of malaria or infectious disease, a strong publication track record, be highly motivated, have outstanding organizational skills and great attention to detail, high scientific integrity and rigor, excellent written and oral communication skills, and hold a valid VISA to work in the United States. A strong background in bioinformatics and statistics, as well as experience in molecular laboratory assays, is highly desirable. The CVD is a nurturing environment that focuses on training and supporting post-doctoral fellows in their path towards independence. Post-doctoral fellowships are initially for one year, but they may be renewed annually based on progress for up to a maximum of 5 years.

Please send curriculum vitae, a brief outline of relevant research experience and interests and the names of three references via e-mail to Mark Travassos, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and of Medicine; Co-Director of the Immunoepidemiology and Pathogenesis Unit within the Malaria Research Program: mtravass@som.umaryland.edu. Further information about the CVD can be found at: http:// medschool.umaryland.edu/CVD/. UMB is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.