Postdoctoral Scholar

Date: November 2026 Title: Postdoctoral Scholar Department: Molecular Biology and Microbiology School: Medicine Location: Wood Building, W218 Supervisor Name and Title: Uri Mbonye, PhD; Senior Instructor This opportunity is at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology.

The laboratory is located in the second floor of the Wood Building. The opportunity is full-time. Hours are generally normal business hours but may vary due to the timing of experiments and other research activity deadlines. We are recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our NIH-funded laboratory and investigate virus-host interactions and cellular-driven mechanisms underlying HIV-1 persistence and its emergence from latency.

Our research employs biochemical, molecular and cell biology approaches to study the virus-host interactions and signaling mechanisms that regulate the establishment latent HIV reservoirs and their reactivation in infected CD4+ T lymphocytes present in blood and lymphoid tissues. We hope to translate this knowledge into a pharmacological cure strategy to eliminate antiretroviral therapy-resistant and persisting infected cells.

Since proviral HIV mimics a cellular gene by possessing a promoter region and a chromatinized template that is epigenetically regulated, we have also utilized the virus as a gene model to gain a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in T lymphocyte cells. Major research accomplishments over the last 15 years have included:

1. Delineation of the signaling pathways in primary T cells and intermolecular interactions that critically regulate the biogenesis of P-TEFb, a transcription elongation factor necessary for stimulating HIV transcription elongation (PMID: 34529720; PMID: 29743242 );
2. Mechanistic characterization of RasGRP1 agonists as a novel class of agents that can reverse HIV latency with minimal undesirable cellular responses (PMID: 41648282); and
3. Development of immunofluorescence-based flow cytometry assays for monitoring the cellular activation of P-TEFb and HIV latency reversal in cultured primary T cells (PMID: 39425934). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead projects investigating the molecular basis of HIV reservoir formation in blood and lymphoid tissues, virus and host control of proviral transcription elongation, and identifying universal approaches to reverse HIV latency across the major subtypes. We are looking for candidates with a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology or a related field. Experience in HIV reservoir measurements, computational biology or bioinformatics, proteomics and structural modeling, fluorescence imaging (immunostaining and RNA FISH), immunofluorescence flow cytometry, or spatial biology is particularly desirable. To apply: Please send your CV, a brief description of your research experience and interests, list of publications and contact information for three references to [email protected]. POSITION OBJECTIVE The postdoctoral research scientist will carry out basic and preclinical research that endeavors to further delineate virus and host mechanisms that could be exploited to purge persistent reservoirs of HIV in people with HIV (PWH) on lifelong antiretroviral therapy. They will perform viral reactivation experiments in an ex vivo primary cell model of HIV latency as well as using T cells isolated from PWH. These experiments will largely entail utilization of immunofluorescence flow cytometry, high resolution microscopic imaging and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR and digital PCR) assays. The research scientist will also support students in their assigned research projects and provide guidance through the utilization of conventional laboratory techniques.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Carry out experiments using molecular biology technologies, viral and bacterial cultivation and basic bioinformatics. Assist with planning experiments. (10%)
2. Assist in the routine preparation of latently infected primary CD4+ T cells carrying non-infectious HIV and further improvement of this procedure. May assist in developing improved techniques or procedures. (15%)
3. PBMC isolation from peripheral blood samples, CD4+ T cell isolation and culture. (10%)
4. Collaborate with lab staff and principal investigator to conduct a series of experiments to supply scientific information as part of a larger project, including performing highly reproducible RT-qPCR and digital PCR analysis of PWH samples with detailed record keeping. The candidate will be expected to conduct specific experiments and tasks independently. (15%)
5. Perform immunofluorescence flow cytometry and microscopy. (10%)
6. Organize samples and analyze data in order to contribute to larger projects. Prepare figures following data collection and analysis while assisting in writing related to experiments performed. Provide interpretation of data and suggest potential improvements to techniques and procedures. (10%)
7. Participate in lab meetings, read applicable literature, attend and present research at conferences. (10%)
8. Perform data analysis utilizing statistical and bioinformatics tools. Prepare manuscripts and contribute preliminary data, background and significance and experimental design for grant proposals. Write, submit and serve as Principal Investigator on grants and manuscripts. (15%) NONESSENTIAL FUNCITONS
9. May assist in training new staff and students on lab operations and maintenance; direct the work of students. Support students in their assigned research projects through training and provision of isolated primary cell samples. (5%)
10. Perform other duties as assigned such as liaising with Sales Representatives and Field Application Scientists to learn about new lab products and services. (<1%) CONTACTS Department: Daily contact with Principal Investigator to discuss research and maintain workflow. University: Occasional contact with other departments to share information. External: Limited or no contact with vendors to exchange information. Students: Contact with students and research assistants for supervision. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY Collaborate with and supervise other group members including graduate students and undergraduate students in conducting sample preparation, experimental design and data analysis of a variety of projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Experience in the biochemistry of transcription, molecular virology and/or gene expression in mammalian cells. In addition, this position will require advanced experimental skills in HIV molecular virology including the use of RT-qPCR, digital PCR, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq assays.
2. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, laboratory equipment, practices and procedures within the field of molecular biology and microbiology.
3. Experience in molecular biology techniques, excellent aseptic technique and general skills common to a microbiology lab are a must.
4. Strong documentation and organization skills with the ability to keep accurate records of all work performed.
5. Good analytical, statistical and presentation skills.
6. Proficient computer skills, particularly in the use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and graphing software such as Origin or Prism.
7. Ability to meet consistent attendance in person.
8. Ability to interact with colleagues and the Principal Investigator face to face.
9. Demonstrated willingness to learn new techniques with instruction.
10. Willingness to work in a biosafety level 2+ setting. SALARY The annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance. WORKING CONDITIONS General laboratory environment. May have exposure to chemical and biological hazards. Some of the work involving the handling and culture of cells obtained from virally suppressed PWH will be carried out in a biosafety level 2+ setting. Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and goggles, will be provided to limit exposure to hazards. Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information. Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities Applications requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216.368.3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Education and experience

PhD degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology or a related field.