Postdoctoral Research Associate - job 1 of 11

Glimpse of the job 

The laboratory of Dr. Pritesh Desai at Texas A&M University is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology (MPIM). Our lab focuses on understanding immune responses to viral infections and vaccines, particularly in the context of helminth-mediated immune modulation. As a new and growing lab, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to foundational discoveries while gaining hands-on experience in day-to-day lab activities and helping shape our scientific direction. We welcome applicants with a strong background in virology, immunology, or related fields who are passionate about investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.

Research Focus
The successful candidate will work on projects that include:

• Characterizing immune responses to flaviviruses and alphaviruses

• Investigating the role of dendritic cells in modulating T cell immunity

• Studying immune responses to viral vaccines

• Exploring helminth-induced modulation of antiviral immune responses

Most experiments will involve mouse models. Prior experience with mice is preferred but not required, we are happy to train the right candidate who is eager to learn and grow.

Opportunities and Training

• You will have opportunities to:
• Work on multiple projects: independently under supervision and collaboratively
• Present your work at national and international scientific conferences.
• Build a strong publication record in high-impact journals.
• Collaborate with the TAMU TIGSS Center to gain skills in bioinformatics.
• Engage with an active and collaborative research community within MPIM.

Visit our lab website for more information!

What you need to know

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.  

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.  

Schedule: May have to work on the weekend and/or after normal hours. May travel as required.

Special Instructions: A cover letter describing your research interests and career goals, resume, and contact information for three professional references (to include at least one previous supervisor), and a two page statement outlining your prior research experience and motivation to join our lab are strongly recommended. You may upload all documents on the application under CV/Resume or upon answering the questionnaire you may attach the documents.  

Required Education

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or a related biomedical field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with mouse models, viruses, helminth models and immune cells.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, sequencing, CRISPR-Cas).

• Experience with virology techniques (e.g., plaque assay, FFU, viral RNA extraction and quantification, virus preparation and stocks).

• Experience with immunological assays (e.g., ELISA, cell culture, flow cytometry).

• Experience with microscopy (immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, bright field).

• Experience writing papers, analyzing and interpreting data, up to date with current scientific literature.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the fundamental immunology, molecular biology, genetics and infectious diseases.

• Ability to grasp new knowledge on other emerging fields such as epigenetics, immune metabolism and microbiome research.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.

• A strong work ethic, self-motivation, and attention to detail.

Why Texas A&M University?   

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.   

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums  

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays   

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month  

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time  

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more   

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee  

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees