The department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Cox Lab, in the area of Immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

The Cox lab studies the interactions between the important human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis, and the mammalian immune system. We apply both bacterial host genetic techniques to uncover new pathways that underlie pathogenesis and protective responses of the host.

The TBRU project is a highly collaborative effort consisting of a team of researchers located at UC Berkeley and partners around the world focusing on leveraging the variations in infection outcomes in humans to identify the host and bacterial genetic factors that underlie these phenomena.

The Assistant Project Scientist will develop a pipeline to utilize new CRIPSR-based genetic tools to perform high-throughput genetic screens to identify murine macrophage genes that modulate inflammatory responses during M. tuberculosis infection. Key objectives include the development of new methods that will allow for in vivo screening of genetic perturbations in an aerosol model of infection. The incumbent will participate with our partners studying human genetic susceptibility to infection to devise new mouse models to understand complex phenomena, including dissemination to the brain and resistance to initial infection. A key factor will be using computational approaches to identify pathways from large, complex datasets from human genetic studies to inform selection of genetic targets in mice.

The incumbent will participate in background research, the analysis and interpretation of results; will prepare written and oral summary reports [internal and external]. The incumbent will also help to advise a group of junior researchers, and reporting. The incumbent will attend and actively support scientific seminars, workshops, working team meetings and other venues for presentations of results and will develop and maintain collaborative research relationships; will pursue publication of research in peer-reviewed journals; and may pursue additional funding opportunities consistent with existing and future research programs and goals.

This position provides full benefits.

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

Four years of post-degree research experience by start date
Publication record in peer reviewed journals

PhD in Immunology
Extensive experience using sophisticated cell-based immunological assays including flow cytometry, cell sorting, high-density cell imaging, single-cell sequencing, to study infection in mice
Experience using CRISPR-based genetic tools to manipulate immune cells, especially macrophages, and perform forward genetic screening
Experience working with BSL3-level pathogens and using mouse models of infection, including adoptive transfer experiments
The ideal candidate is able to develop and troubleshoot new theoretical ideas and is enthusiastic about pursuing exciting and fundamental evolutionary theoretical questions

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.