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The laboratory of Dr. Pinghui
Feng and Casey Chen in the Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow
School of Dentistry of USC, located in the University Park Campus, is seeking
two postdoctoral scholars to investigate (1) the role of virus-bacteria
interactions in herpesvirus-induced neurodegeneration, and (2) unconventional
activities of metabolic enzyme in infection and immunity. Current projects
include examining the pathogenesis of herpesviruses, the oral microbiome in
health and disease, and the bacteria-viral synergism in oral infections. The
lab is part of a large research team with projects in cancer biology,
neurodegeneration, and osteonecrosis. Opportunities exist for the candidate to
expand the scope of research. An ideal candidate will have training (Ph.D. in
microbiology or related fields), experience in bacterial genetics, and
proficiency in bioinformatics tools.The research in the lab is centered on understanding the roles of
metabolic enzymes in fundamental biological processes, such as viral infection
and host defense. We explore herpesvirus infection as a model system to probe
the unconventional roles of metabolic enzymes (such as via deamidating
proteins), entailing cutting-edge technology, including proteomics,
metabolomics, RNA sequencing and conditional knockout or knockin mouse models. For
more details, please consult with our recent publications (Nature Metabolism,
2024; Immunity, in press). The lab is a part of a multi-disciplinary and
highly interactive team in the Norris Dental Science Center. Postdoctoral
fellows are expected to conduct independent and challenging research under the
PI’s close supervision and work in a highly collaborative manner.We are seeking self-motivated and
goal-driven postdoctoral candidates, with a PhD or MD/PhD in molecular and
cellular biology, microbiology or related fields and be skilled in protein
biochemistry and related disciplines. Previous experience with metabolomics,
proteomics, transcriptomics or bioinformatics would be helpful. The candidate
should be able to work both independently and in a collaborative environment,
with a strong commitment to reaching research excellence and achieving assigned
objectives.Please send CV and names of three
references to Veronica Elizarraras at
The University of Southern
California strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in
employment. Women and men, and members of all racial and ethnic groups, people
with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
