Post Doc

Company Description

Tulane University is a private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, recognized as one of the nation's leading centers for biomedical and public health research. As a major research institution with a strong commitment to public service, Tulane integrates education, research, and community engagement to advance scientific discovery and improve global health outcomes. Its diverse academic environment spans the School of Medicine, the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and the School of Science and Engineering, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in infectious disease, immunology, and translational research.

Tulane National Biomedical Research Center (TNBRC), formerly the Tulane National Primate Research Center, is a federally supported research institute and one of the few facilities in the United States dedicated to advanced studies of infectious diseases using both nonhuman primate and rodent models. TNBRC combines state-of-the-art BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities with expertise in microbiology, immunology, and pathogenesis to investigate mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction and develop new vaccines and therapeutics. Its mission aligns with Tulane’s broader goal of improving human health through rigorous, ethically conducted biomedical research.

Role Description

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.

Qualifications

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.