The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University of Illinois at Chicago, a top ranked research-intensive institution in the heart of the exciting city of Chicago, is seeking a non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor to join the research laboratory of Professor, Nahed Ismail MD PhD.

The laboratory focuses on the development of new immunotherapeutic or vaccination strategies for infectious diseases caused by intracellular bacterial pathogens. Research in this program is both basic and translational in nature and makes use of in vitro and in vivo animal-based model systems that are well-established in the lab. Specifically, the research program examines the innate and adaptive immunity and the role of NOD-like receptors (NLR) and autophagy in inflammation and sepsis caused by tick borne bacterial pathogens (e.g., Ehrlichia, Rickettsia).

The goal is to determine the contribution of anti-viral IgG antibodies to protective immunity or immunopathology generated during mild and severe COVID-19 disease, respectively.

For fullest consideration, please submit a curriculum vitae and names of three references via: https://jobs.uic.edu/job-board/job-details?jobID=162177

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race color, religion, national origin, protected Veteran status , age, or any other characteristic protected by law

The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

•           Cell-specific innate immune responses to Ehrlichia species.  This project further examines the innate responses (e.g., inflammasome activation, autophagy) of target cells such as macrophages, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells and their contribution to adaptive immunity during Ehrlichia-induced liver injury and sepsis.   

•           Metabolic stress and reprogramming during infection and their role in innate and adaptive immune responses against rickettsial pathogens. Oxidative stress results from the imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defenses. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of both physiological and pathological cellular processes occurring in the mitochondria, peroxisomes, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER).  ROS could be exploited by several pathogens to evade host responses. We seek to understand the mechanistic basis underlying how Ehrlichia-infected cells differ in their ability to cope with metabolic stress and how these responses are regulated during development of liver injury and sepsis.

•           Development of novel COVID-19 diagnostics and understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis. The clinical research program focuses on development of innovative molecular and immunological assay for detection of SARS-COV2 in human samples as well as determining the magnitude and function of antibody responses in convalescent plasma.

Job Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in related field received within the last six years is required.
• Track record in the field of microbiology, immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolic stress, with relevant publications
• Experience with several of the following technical proficiencies: animal experimentation, flow cytometry, cell biology, cell culture, T cell functional assays, isolation of primary cells, CRISPR, viral vector-mediated overexpression or silencing, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, and general immunological and molecular biology methods.
• Independent, self-motivated, innovative, and demonstrated scientific and technical excellence.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and work ethics
• Interested in applying to independent grant opportunities and seeking funding from external sources
• Ability to work effectively and productively in a team environment and present their work at local and national meetings