VIDO
Postdoctoral Fellow – Virology & Immunology
Saskatoon, SK, Canada .
full-time . May 25, 2023
Description
The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals.
Position Summary
Dr. Antonio Facciuolo is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional team focusing on mpox.
The recent outbreak of mpox virus (MPXV) has resulted in thousands of cases globally, including in Canada. MPXV has the potential to infect a wide range of species and at present multiple rodent and squirrel species have been identified as susceptible to MPXV. It remains unclear whether livestock are susceptible to MPXV and whether spillover from humans to animals poses a threat to the Canadian agriculture sector. As part of a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded study, we seek to understand the risk MPXV poses to cattle, swine, and sheep sectors of Canadian agriculture to help inform best measures to mitigate any potential risk. The Postdoctoral Fellow will work on characterizing MPXV infection in vivo in animals of agricultural importance (cattle, pigs, and sheep) and investigate animal host factors that modulate virus replication, virus evolution, and tropism in collaboration with our partners at the University of Toronto and University of Guelph. This project will involve unique opportunities to work in Containment Level 3 facility, evaluate host immune responses to infection, re-infection, and vaccination in large animal models, and use cutting-edge tools in molecular virology to mechanistically study host-MPXV interactions.
Qualifications
· Completion of PhD (in the past three years) in microbiology, immunology, veterinary science, or another related discipline.
· Experience working in Containment Level 3 is an asset
· Strong background in virology, immunology, and/or veterinary research
· Hands-on experience with cell culture and animal experiments
· Team player with excellent oral and written communication skills
· Effective organizational and time management skills
Status: 2-year term.
Employment Group: Post-Doctoral Fellows – PSAC
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary Information: The starting salary will follow the university standard for a post-doctoral researcher and will be commensurate with experience.
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition
Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
Interested candidates are asked to submit their application in one single application document (pdf file) including a statement of research interest, complete curriculum vitae (CV), and contact information of three references.
Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
For more information visit: vido.org
Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.