Postdoctoral Positions at the NIH - Flavivirus and coronavirus epidemiology

We are seeking multiple postdoctoral trainees to take on leading roles as part of the newly established Viral Epidemiology and Immunity Unit (VEIU). The VEIU is part of the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases (LID) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In the VEIU, we use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate immunological protection against and susceptibility to emerging and reemerging viral diseases with the goal of informing how vaccines can be effectively and safely licensed and introduced through vaccination programs. Our research focuses on immunologically complex viral diseases with high global burden, including flaviviral diseases (such as dengue and Zika) and diseases caused by coronaviruses (including COVID-19). We will use a range of immunological assays and statistical tools to study determinants of disease in large observational cohort studies and vaccine trials. Specifically, we are interested in:

(1) antigenic and genetic viral evolution (https://science.sciencemag.org/content/349/6254/1338)
(2) host immunological determinants of long-term protection and disease risk (https://science.sciencemag.org/content/358/6365/929, https://science.sciencemag.org/content/369/6507/1123)
(3) dynamics of viral transmission in human populations (https://www.pnas.org/content/115/42/10762)

Postdoctoral trainees joining the VEIU will help design and implement projects, interacting directly with collaborators in the U.S. and internationally, including with experts leading longitudinal cohort studies in Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Ecuador, and the Philippines. Researchers in the VEIU will also be involved in establishing new clinical and observational studies at NIH and abroad.

Candidates holding an M.D. and/or Ph.D. who are interested in joining the VEIU and have experience in epidemiology, infectious disease modeling, biostatistics, and/or bioinformatics are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates should have no more than four years of postdoctoral experience in directly related fields of research. Researchers with a passion for discovering broadly neutralizing antibodies; elucidating mechanisms of viral evolution and evolutionary dynamics; and leveraging large observational studies to address fundamental immunological questions would make outstanding additions to our team.

To apply, interested candidates should please email a curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter, a publication or manuscript the candidate has written, and the names and contact information for at least two references to Dr. Leah Katzelnick (leah.katzelnick@nih.gov). The position is fully funded, available immediately, and may be held for up to 5 years.

Application deadline date: Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications are welcome until all positions are filled.

The Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.