Postdoctoral Fellow

Indiana University; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

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 role investigates how chronic viral infections suppress antiviral immunity and drive T cell exhaustion, with emphasis on APC dysfunction and transcriptional/metabolic remodeling. The successful candidate will prepare manuscripts, write fellowship applications, present findings at meetings, and contribute to training of

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, virology, or related field with solid publication record including at least one first-author article.
• Ability to work independently and in a team in a collaborative lab.
• Proficiency in multicolor/spectral flow cytometry required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms by which chronic viral infections drive APC dysfunction/exhaustion.
• Apply cutting-edge technologies to define transcriptional and metabolic changes in these cells over time.
• Prepare manuscripts and write fellowship applications.
• Present findings at internal and external meetings and mentor new students and lab members.

Skills

Immunology

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Immunology or Virology

Tools

Flow cytometry

Mouse handling

NGS data analysis

Job description

Position Summary

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).

Commitment to Diversity

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.

Responsibilities

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. The role includes determining the mechanisms by which chronic viral infections drive APC dysfunction/exhaustion and using cutting‑edge technologies to define how these cells become transcriptionally and metabolically reshaped across time. The position involves preparing manuscripts, writing fellowship applications, presenting findings at internal and external meetings, and helping train new graduate students and lab members. Salary is commensurate with NIH rates based on experience.

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.

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.

Contact

Gerri Herron
HR Coordinator
[e-mail]

Additional Information

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 offers a blend of charm and culture with a wonderful balance of business and leisure. 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. The 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.

Location Information

Indy: https://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/relocation

Posting Details

Special Instructions: Priority Application Review Deadline – Expected Start Date 10/01/2026.
Posting Number: IUSM-02474-2026.