Postdoctoral Fellow

Indiana University; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN, invites an NIH-funded postdoctoral researcher to join Dr. Laura Snell's lab to study APC dysfunction during chronic viral infections and T cell exhaustion.

The work will use cutting edge technologies to define transcriptional and metabolic changes in APCs over time. The candidate will prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, present findings at internal and external meetings, and help train new graduate students and lab members.

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, virology, or a related field with a solid publication track record including at least 1 first author publication in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• Proficiency in multicolor / spectral flow cytometry is required.
• Experience with mouse handling and infection models is preferred, but not required.
• Experience analyzing NGS data (scRNA-seq etc.) is an asset, but not required.
• Ability to work independently as well as collegially within a team.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms by which chronic viral infections drive APC dysfunction / exhaustion.
• Use cutting edge technologies to define transcriptional and metabolic changes in APCs over time.
• Prepare manuscripts and fellowship applications; present findings at meetings; train new graduate students and lab members.

Skills

multicolor / spectral flow cytometry

mouse handling

NGS data analysis

independence

Education

PhD in immunology/virology or related field

Job description

Overview

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at [e-mail].

An NIH funded postdoctoral position is available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Snell at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. The laboratory studies the mechanisms by which chronic viral infections suppress antiviral immunity and drive T cell exhaustion to facilitate viral persistence. We also have a major interest in how chronic viral infections suppress secondary immune responses to enhance the susceptibility to and severity of multiple co-infections and cancers. We have previously demonstrated that chronic viral infection decreases the activation of antigen presenting cells (APCs), resulting in the skewing of newly primed T cell responses for decreased immunity to virus and secondary tumors (see Snell et al. Immunity 2018, Snell et al. Cell Reports 2016).

This position focuses on determining the mechanisms by which chronic viral infections drive APC dysfunction / exhaustion, and will use cutting edge technologies to define how these cells become transcriptionally and metabolically reshaped across time. This understanding will have important implications not only for immunity to chronic viruses, but also for subsequent immune responses to co-infections and tumors.

The candidate will work with Dr. Snell and her team in a dynamic and collaborative lab environment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine. In addition to conducting research, the candidate will also be expected to prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, present findings at internal and external meetings, and help train new grad students / lab members. Salary is commensurate with NIH rates based on experience.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Location and Context

Indianapolis is the capital and most populous city in the State of Indiana. It is growing economically thanks to a strong corporate base anchored by the life sciences. Indiana is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of health sciences companies. Indianapolis has a sophisticated blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. The growing residential base is supported by rich amenities and quality of life – the city possesses a variety of professional sports, arts venues, and outdoor recreation areas. Residents of this dynamic city and surrounding suburbs enjoy leading educational systems and top-ranked universities paired with a diverse population. Indianapolis International Airport is a top-ranked international airport that has been named “Best Airport in North America” by Airports Council International for many years. For additional information on life in

Faculty Affairs and Professional Development | IU School of Medicine

Basic Qualifications

A recent PhD in immunology, virology, or a related field with a solid publication track record including at least 1 first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Department Contact for Questions

Additional Qualifications

Be highly motivated with a genuine interest and curiosity for science and a strong understanding of immunology.

• Proficiency in multicolor / spectral flow cytometry is required.
• Experience with mouse handling and infection models is preferred, but not required.
• Experience analyzing NGS data (scRNA-seq etc.) is an asset, but not required.
• Ability to work independently as well as collegially within a team.

Special Instructions

Priority Application Review Deadline

Expected Start Date

Expected Start Date 10/01/2026

Posting Number

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this position?
• Personal Contact: At Professional Meeting or Conference
• Personal Contact: Direct Contact by Search Committee
• Personal Contact: Referred by colleague or advisor
• Personal Contact: School of Medicine recruiter
• Personal Contact: IUHP Physician Recruiter
• Announcement: Other Journal or Magazine
• Announcement: Other Website
• * Are you a dual career partner (your partner or spouse is already being recruited)?
• Yes
• No