Job Description

Postdoctoral Position – Lyme Disease Pathogenesis and Gene Regulation

The Spirochete Research Labs (SRL) at UConn Health seek a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our team studying Borrelia burgdorferi genetics, gene regulation, and Lyme disease pathogenesis. This position offers the opportunity to make fundamental contributions to our understanding of spirochete biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying Lyme disease. Our work uses cutting-edge approaches including structural modeling, mutagenesis, transcriptomics (RNA-seq and bait-capture enrichment RNA-seq), fluorescent reporters, and tick/animal infection models to uncover how B. burgdorferi persists within its enzootic cycle.

Required qualifications:
Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology or a related field
Expertise in advanced DNA/RNA methodologies, recombinant protein expression and purification, and murine models of infection.
Strong foundation in prokaryotic gene regulation and microbial pathogenesis.

Preferred qualifications:
Experience with site-directed mutagenesis, genome-wide transcriptomics, structural modeling, and analysis of protein–protein/nucleic acid interactions.

Postdoctoral fellows in the SRL benefit from a highly collaborative and supportive training environment. The group has a strong commitment to career development, including close mentorship from senior faculty, opportunities for independent project leadership, and guidance in grant writing, teaching, and professional networking. Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art resources at UConn Health and are encouraged to present their work at national and international meetings. SRL values diversity and strives to provide an inclusive environment that supports the growth of scientists from all backgrounds.

Application:
Please send (1) curriculum vitae and (2) contact information for three references to Dr. Melissa Caimano ([email protected]), UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030-3715.