We offer an exciting opportunity for a postdoc position in our unique lab. The Pellett lab studies bacterial virulence factors and their pathogenic interactions with host organisms. Our lab is a historic lab continuing the long-term Botulinum Neurotoxins lab at UW-Madison with a rich history involving production of the first batches of pharmaceutically used BoNTs and many other novel discoveries. We are the only academic lab approved in the US to conduct the studies within our cutting edge research program. The Pellett lab offers a diverse, inclusive, and productive research environment with many training opportunities including weekly meetings, one-on-one mentoring, journal club, research presentations, conference participation, and department seminars. A successful candidate has the opportunity to prepare for a career in academia, in biotechnology, or in the biosafety/regulatory field.
Requirements: A Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, toxicology or related field is required. We are a Tier 1 Select Agents lab and the applicant must be able to pass a Select Agents background check and suitability assessment. In our SA lab, strong organizational and record keeping skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work with pathogenic organisms and toxins is required. Good time management and an ability to meet deadlines and take initiative are desired. The applicant should have cloning and protein biochemistry experience and be enthusiastic about learning and developing new methods.
Job Duties: The Pellett lab at the department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, has an exciting opening for a postdoctoral research associate to work on National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease (NIAID) funded studies. The purpose of the projects is to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying botulinum neurotoxin intoxications of neuronal cells and to develop novel protein vaccines. The projects will involve recombinant protein design and challenging expression in E.coli and/or Clostridium, development of new expression or clostridial modification systems, whole genome sequencing, protein purification and analyses, and cell and animal (mice) studies. The Pellett lab has a long-standing collaboration with the Dr. Joseph Barbieri at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
The applicant will have the opportunity to perform experiments independently to complete the team’s overall efforts, mentor students and staff, participate in overall project progress and data dissemination including the writing of manuscripts and presentations at conferences, and assist in and write grant applications. The applicant will become familiar with working in a Tier 1 approved facility and with SA pathogens. The position is for a duration of three years (contingent upon successful performance in the first year) with the option for extension depending on securing future funding. Interested candidates should send a cover letter (can be email message), CV, and at least 2 references to Dr. Sabine Pellett, sabine.pellett@wisc.edu.
Begin Date: as soon as possible
Percent time: 100%
Salary: commensurate with NIH guidelines and dependent on experience