VIDO
Postdoctoral Fellow - Gonorrhea Vaccine
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada .
full-time . October 11, 2024
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. Aneesh Thakur, Principal Investigator, Laboratory of Vaccine Engineering, and Immunology (LVEI) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow focusing on Gonorrhea vaccine development to join his team.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The emergence of multi-drug resistance to N. gonorrhoeae endangers the effectiveness of the available treatment. In the absence of any vaccine against this infection, the need for an effective gonococcal vaccine has become increasingly urgent. We are aiming to develop mucosal vaccines for Gonorrhoea using mRNA vaccine technology. The purpose of this project is to develop and test a mucosal mRNA vaccine against Gonorrhoea infection and the Postdoctoral Fellow will work on mRNA vaccine formulation, immune response evaluation, and in vivo infection model.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Essential experience and skills:
· PhD (completed in the past three years) in Immunology, Infection Biology, or another related discipline
· Strong track record of productivity, as evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
· Hands-on experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques
· Team player with excellent oral and written communication skills
· Effective organizational and time management skills
Desirable experience and skills:
· Experience in the analysis of immune cells and responses in animal models using flow cytometry, microscopic imaging and molecular biological techniques is desired.
Status: 1-year term, with the possibility of extension
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 November 30, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Living in Saskatoon
· One of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada (https://www.saskatoon.ca/community-culture-heritage/new-saskatoon/life-saskatoon)
· One of the sunniest places in Canada (https://www.saskatoon.ca/community-culture-heritage/new-saskatoon/life-saskatoon)
· A leading centre of culture and learning, Saskatoon is also one of the most socially engaged and most literate cities in Canada (https://admissions.usask.ca/campus-life/housing.php#LivinginSaskatoon)
For more information visit: Discover Saskatoon
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.