Postdoctoral Research Associate

Division of Rheumatology

Project Information

Four funded Postdoctoral Associate position is available at the University of Illinois Chicago, for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate to investigate the mechanism by which immunometabolism is regulated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) immune cells. This position will be focused on defining the molecular mechanism involved in RA macrophage, T cell, and fibroblast metabolism and their cellular cross-regulation by integrating cutting-edge molecular technologies with traditional cellular & molecular immunology-based approaches. Please refer to our recent publications for further information: Ann Rheum Dis 2023 (PMID: 36593091), Cell Mol Immunol 2022 (PMID: 35676327), Arthritis Rheum 2021 (PMID: 33982895), and Cell Mol Immunol 2021 (PMID: 32415262). All the research projects in the lab are translational and use patient blood, synovial fluid, and tissue to authenticate the preclinical findings. Candidates will have the opportunity to perform basic immunological research while translating their findings from bench to bedside.

Required Skills

The postdoctoral candidate must be self-motivated with research experience in cellular and molecular immunology techniques, as well as experimental models. The candidate should have excellent writing and communication skills and be familiar with techniques such as multi-color flow cytometry, cell isolation, tissue culture, ELISA, qRT-PCR, RNAseq analysis, and animal handling. This job is open for recent graduate applicants with Ph.D. or applicants that expect to graduate from their Ph.D. program soon. Applicants should have at least one or two immune-related published articles preferably related to autoimmunity or inflammation. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience in autoimmunity, immunometabolism as well as innate and adaptive immunity.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Immunology, Health Science, or a related field.

Job Duties

• Plan, direct and perform specialized and advanced research experiments
• Evaluate and analyze data
• May establish new research protocols and procedures
• Summarize research data for publication
• May be responsible for laboratory operations
• May supervise students

Background Information

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art research equipment and is located at the University of Illinois at Chicago with full-time access to excellent facilities in the Department of Medicine. The campus is located in the heart of Chicago, with easy access to Chicago’s sports and entertainment center, and downtown area. On campus, you will find a vibrant academic, athletic, and multicultural environment that involves students, staff, and faculty from across the university. 

Contact Information

Interested individuals should send their curriculum vitae, a brief description of their research interests, and the names of three references to:

Shiva Shahrara, Ph.D. 

Professor of Medicine

e-mail: Shahrara@uic.edu

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899