Post-doctoral Fellow – Aldrovandi Laboratory at UCLA

We are seeking an experienced Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. for a post-doctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Grace Aldrovandi, M.D., CM. Applicants need to have a Ph.D preferably in molecular biology or virology, an interest in HIV-1 infection, and an interest in the microbiome and multi-omic investigations as it relates to human health and disease.

Dr. Aldrovandi is known for her studies of breast milk transmission of HIV-1, the virologic differences in HIV-1 transmitted via breast milk versus in utero transmission, HIV-1 pathogenesis, drug-resistance, and the long-term metabolic and immunologic consequences of HIV-1 infection. While continuing to probe the above areas of HIV-1, Dr. Aldrovandi investigates the microbiome and its influence on infant immune development and on the pathogenesis and transmission of HIV-1 in healthy, HIV-exposed and HIV-infected infants as well pregnant and post-partum women. Furthermore, many of Dr. Aldrovandi’s studies include multi-omic investigations integrating data from the microbiome, proteome, and metabolome.

As a specialist in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. Aldrovandi also explores new and emerging pediatric pathogens. For the past year, her laboratory has focused on investigations of SARS-CoV-2 and became CLIA-certified for these investigations.

With this, new tools have been added to the laboratory so the opportunity to learn about automation as it applies to all the laboratory investigations exists.

In addition to running her own research laboratory, Dr. Aldrovandi is the Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, the Laboratory Directors of both the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials network (IMPAACT) and AIDS Clnical Trials Group (ACTG). Dr. Aldrovandi is a passionate investigator with a wealth of knowledge seeking a post-doctoral fellow with these qualities.

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology or Virology or related field of study <5 years from completion of PhD

• Solid understanding of molecular biology and common laboratory approaches in molecular biology

• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and quickly adapt to new tasks

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with computational and experimental scientists

• Ability to function independently in the laboratory Skills:

• DNA, RNA and protein extractions

• Sterile technique

• Meticulous laboratory technique

 

• Experience in PCR, cloning, Next-Generation Sequencing desired

• Experience in automation with liquid handlers desired (with opportunity to learn during your Fellowship)

• Working knowledge of laboratory notebook management and data management

• Must be comfortable working with human pathogens and human samples including blood, stool, urine, saliva, cervicovaginal lavage samples, and more.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducting research as determined with Principal Investigator (PI)

• Publish results of independent laboratory research in collaboration with lab PI, including writing of scientific manuscripts, abstracts and other supporting documentation

• Participate in laboratory and Divisional seminars, meetings, educational sessions, general and specific safety training and other training sessions

• Provide mentorship and teaching to other members of the lab which is comprised of PhD or MD students, post-docs, undergraduate students and summer students.

• Performs other duties and laboratory responsibilities as requested.