Department: MED-Microbiology-Immunology
Salary/Grade: RES/

Job Summary:

The Hauser lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow interested in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and genomics. The postdoctoral fellow will work with Professor Alan R. Hauser in the Departments of Microbiology-Immunology and Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at Northwestern University in Chicago. The NIH-funded project will use genomic, computational, and molecular approaches as well as animal models to quantify and predict the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and to characterize novel mechanisms by which they cause severe infections.

About us:

The Hauser lab is focused on the use of genomic approaches to better understand bacterial pathogenicity and colonization.  These investigations have been applied to multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.  To date, studies have led to the identification of several novel virulence factors and pathogenicity islands and have led to genomic-based models to predict the virulence of bacterial pathogens.  Other studies have focused on “high-risk” clones of multidrug resistant bacteria that have spread globally. We are expanding these studies to identify additional novel virulence and colonization/transmission factors that will then be characterized using molecular techniques, microscopy, tissue culture and animal models to explore their mechanisms.

Position Description:

We are looking for a self-motivated candidate who is passionate about microbial pathogenesis. The candidate should be near completion of his/her/their doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field.  The successful applicant will be highly collaborative and a strong communicator. He/she/they should be able to work independently, mentor other lab members, and have a strong work ethic. The candidate will be encouraged to apply for funding opportunities. Experience in microbiology is required, and experience with genomic, computational, or bioinformatic techniques is an advantage.

Why join us?

The Hauser lab is a dynamic group of talented scientists surrounded by a highly collaborative and supportive environment. Our lab consists of undergraduates, graduate students, PhD postdocs, and MD fellows all working together to solve important infectious disease problems by approaching them from different angles.  Ongoing collaborations are in place with other departments, universities, and companies.  The environment is cutting edge, and projects provide opportunities for professional advancement.  To date, six former postdoctoral fellows from the Hauser lab hold academic appointments of Assistant or Associate Professor.

Please visit http://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/hauser/ to learn more. To apply, please email ahauser@northwestern.edu your CV and a cover letter describing your interests.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Microbiology experimentation
• Writing papers and grants

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in microbiology or related field

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Cloning, PCR, immunoblots, growth of bacteria, DNA and protein electrophoresis
• Written and verbal communications skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to work as a team
• Teaching of other lab members
• Ability to learn new techniques

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Whole genome sequencing
• Programming skills
• Computational skills

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.