A postdoctoral position is available in the Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at the University of Washington to investigate mechanisms of mitochondrial-mediated inflammation in rheumatic disease.

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar position on an annual, 12-month appointment. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

The project aims to investigate mechanisms of mitochondrial extrusion and clearance, and its contribution to inflammation and autoimmunity, in particular as it pertains to rheumatic disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (PMID 26779811, 30796192 and 33597264). In brief, the project will investigate mechanisms of extrusion of mitochondria by activated immune cells, neutrophils, as well as subsequent uptake and processing of the released mitochondria by phagocytes, and the influence of autoantibodies and complement in this process. Further, the project aims to identify and characterize novel anti-mitochondrial antibodies, as well as determine their clinical significance in development of thrombosis, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young women with rheumatic disease. The NIH-funded project builds on many years of work, including several publications, and will extend our findings that mitochondria may be a novel therapeutic target in SLE.

The Division of Rheumatology offers an ideal research and training environment, with a strong focus on translational research, with interactions with our clinical colleagues, access to patient samples, close proximity and collaboration with investigators in the immunology department, as well as access to the mitochondrial and metabolism center. The candidate will be part of a supportive collaborative team preparing the candidate for a career as an independent investigator. Salary will be commensurate with experience and based on NIH and the University of Washington guidelines.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree relevant to biological science, and a strong publication record, including first-authorships, preferably related to immunology. The ideal candidate will have prior post-doctoral experience. Experience with biochemistry and mass spectrometry is desirable. Basic knowledge and hands-on experience in molecular biology, protein chemistry, animal work, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, ELISA, and qPCR are helpful.

Please submit a cover letter and CV as well as the names/emails for three references via Interfolio. Contact rheum@uw.edu with any additional questions.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under Washington State Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.