Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

Dr. Jian Xie’s laboratory in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the roles of cell surface RNAs and glycoRNAs in viral entry and infection, with a particular emphasis on oncogenic viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV).

Recent studies have revealed that a subset of RNAs is glycosylated and displayed on the cell surface (cell surface glycoRNAs), and that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are common components of the cell surface. These discoveries suggest that cell surface RNAs (csRNAs) and cell surface RNA-binding proteins (csRBPs) regulate fundamental biological processes, including cell–cell communication, pathogen recognition, and receptor-mediated signaling. Emerging evidence indicates these surface molecules form functional complexes with important roles in immune regulation and cancer biology, though their mechanistic roles during pathogen infection remain unknown.

The Xie laboratory studies virus–host interactions in viral infection, cancer, and innate immunity. Recent work indicates that csRNAs and csRBPs are critical determinants of HPV infection and may constitute a previously unrecognized class of viral entry receptors. This research is supported by an NIH R35 award and conducted in collaboration with leading laboratories at Yale University and Harvard University.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct studies involving RNA and protein biochemistry, virology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
• Perform experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Present findings at institutional, regional, national, and international scientific meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts and grant applications.
• Mentor graduate students and other junior researchers, as appropriate.

Requirements

• Highly motivated, creative, collaborative, and intellectually independent.
• Strong interest in developing innovative hypotheses and experimental approaches.

Qualifications

Applicants must submit a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests, experience, and career goals, and contact information for three references.