A252101
Mentor: Dr. Zdenek Hel, Department of Pathology
Postdoctoral Position in Immunology of Chronic Infections, Cancer, and Autoimmune Diseases
A postdoctoral position is available in the immunology of HIV-1, cancer, and other disorders in Dr. Zdenek Hel's research group at the Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. In the past several years, UAB has been ranked among the top 10 US public universities in total NIH funding, and the Department of Pathology consistently ranks among the best in the country.
Dr. Hel's laboratory focuses on understanding the role of neutrophils and other myeloid cell populations in regulating immune responses in chronic infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Recently accumulated evidence highlighted the role played by neutrophils in the regulation of the function of T cells and other immune cells. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), chromatin-based structures extruded from neutrophils upon activation, mediate the development of liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. We address the role of neutrophils and NETs in multiple disorders, including HIV-1 infection, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, combined immunodeficiency, and cardiovascular disease.
The laboratory is working on several NIH-funded projects. Approaches of studies include immunology, molecular biology, protein analyses, flow cytometry, high throughput gene expression analyses, microbiome, clinical research/trials, targeted therapies, and studies in pre-clinical mouse models.
More info about the division and laboratory can be found at: https://sites.uab.edu/zdenek-hel-lab/.
Candidate Qualifications:
Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Priority will be given to qualified candidates with a strong background in immunology, cell culture, and molecular biology. The candidate will be expected to write and think independently with a passion for innovative research. He/she should be able to analyze data and write manuscripts. Competitive applicants should have a proven track record with publications. Highly competitive salary (with benefits) will follow NIH guidelines commensurate with training and experience.
To apply:
Please send a letter describing your research experience, interests, and future career goals, your CV, and contact information for three references electronically to Zdenek Hel, PhD, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; E-mail address:
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
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