A postdoctoral research opportunity is immediately available in the Pisu lab at the Tulane National
Biomedical Research Center to investigate macrophage heterogeneity and host–pathogen interactions
during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow
interested in pursuing an academic career in immunology, host–pathogen biology, and translational
infectious-disease research.
The laboratory uses murine and non-human primate (NHP) models to define how alveolar and
monocyte-derived macrophage subsets influence bacterial control and immune regulation in the lung.
Ongoing projects include NIH- and startup-funded studies examining macrophage functional diversity,
mechanisms of epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming, and how vaccination or innate immune
training modulate susceptibility to infection.
The fellow will perform molecular, cellular, and microbiological work, including cloning,
CRISPR/Cas9 editing, RNA-seq and multiomic library preparation, flow cytometry, and microscopy,
macrophage infection assays, and murine infection studies, and will analyze the resulting datasets
using R or Python pipelines. The position offers opportunities for publication, collaboration with
multidisciplinary teams, and the development of independent research directions supported by extensive
core services and BSL-3
facilities at TNBRC.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D. or equivalent in Immunology, Microbiology, or a related Biological Science.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB
SUCCESSFULLY: (Note: The following criteria will not be used in screening qualified applicants but
may be considered in the final decision-selection process of candidates interviewed.)
1. Demonstrated proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques including cloning,
PCR/qPCR, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation.
2. Experience with mammalian cell culture, macrophage infection assays, and related immunological
or microbiological methods under BSL-2 conditions; readiness to obtain BSL-3 clearance.
3. Familiarity with immunological and imaging assays such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, confocal
or fluorescence microscopy, and protein quantification methods (Western blot, ELISA, Olink).
4. Competence in bacterial culture and maintenance under biosafety containment.
5. Familiarity with murine infection models, tissue processing, and immune-cell isolation under
IACUC- approved protocols.
6. Background in bioinformatics and computational biology encouraged; ability to analyze
high-dimensional data using R, Python, or equivalent platforms.
7. Strong organizational and documentation skills with adherence to biosafety and animal welfare
regulations.
8. Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative research environment.
9. Multi-year commitment to postdoctoral training.
The TNBRC maintains Biosafety Level 3 facilities and performs work on diverse infectious agents
many of which can cause serious disease in humans if standard operating procedures, including use
of appropriate personal protective equipment, are not followed. Depending on agent specific risk
assessments individuals may be offered, or in some cases required to have vaccinations against the
relevant agents.
Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selection or participation criteria for Tulane’s employment or educational programs or activities.
Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing an application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 504-865-4748 or by email at hr@tulane.edu
