Job Description

About the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in pediatric medicine. The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses, and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers. The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa’s only comprehensive children’s hospital. A new free-standing Children’s Hospital opened in 2017.

Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Immunology
The Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Immunology seeks a Post-doctoral Scholar to assist with research efforts on the preclinical development of novel gene therapies for cystic fibrosis. We are broadly interested in host-pathogen interactions, defense mechanisms, and epithelial responses to bacteria and viruses. The lab has a major interest in the pathogenesis and treatment of cystic fibrosis. Additional studies are investigating interactions between airway epithelia and specific viral and bacterial pathogens.
The laboratory is performing a variety of gene transfer studies using lentiviral and transposon vectors. We have developed novel lentiviral vector pseudotypes that target receptors on the apical surface of airway epithelia. We are also exploring other nucleic acid based interventions including RNA interference and gene editing for therapeutic purposes. In addition we are investigating genomics approaches such as the connectivity map to identify small molecules to rescue CFTR function. A long-term goal is to develop vector systems with that can be successfully used in children to treat or prevent CF lung disease by gene addition or gene repair.

Position Summary

The candidate will assist with research efforts on the preclinical development of novel gene therapies for cystic fibrosis. We seek a candidate with proven ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve project goals. The candidate will be expected to generate novel ideas to overcome barriers to vector delivery. The ultimate goal is the generation of products that will benefit patients.

Position Responsibilities

• Test novel viral vectors by quantifying gene transfer or gene editing efficiencies in both in vitro and in vivo models.
• Use molecular biology to optimize vectors by enhancing genome packaging and optimizing titer.
• Conduct molecular biological research on novel viral vectors to enhance the efficiency of target cell transduction and perform studies of functional expression of therapeutic transgenes.
• Generate, manage, evaluate, and maintain critical data in a highly organized manner. Author technical reports, method transfer documents, and prepare scientific presentations as needed.
• Provide project leadership to ensure that research objectives are achieved in a timely manner.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D is required, preferably in the biological sciences

Experience Requirements
• Strong background in cell biology and molecular biology.
• A demonstrated relevant publication and/or funding record.
• Strong record of conducting molecular virology or viral vector research using multiple approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms of virus-cell interactions.
• Ability to effectively prioritize parallel laboratory activities and communicate the progress of these activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Highly Desired Qualifications
• Experience with adenoviral vector systems is highly desirable.
• Prior experience conducting small and large animal research is highly desirable.
• Experience manipulating high molecular weight bacterial plasmids is highly desirable.