Autumn Holmes

Postdoctoral Researcher opportunity at the University at Buffalo, in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, based at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in downtown Buffalo, New York, United States. The Holmes Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study arthritogenic alphavirus infections , with a focus on innate immunity , pathogenesis , virus dissemination , and the molecular mechanisms that control tissue tropism and vascular spread. The lab is interested in how permissive cells in skin, lymphatics, muscle, and vasculature influence disease progression, including work on monocytes, PDGFRα+ skeletal muscle mesenchymal cells, MXRA8 entry, and VEGF signaling. The project offers hands-on training in in vitro and in vivo infection models, qRT-PCR on mouse tissues, flow cytometry, microscopy and imaging, primary cell culture, and experimental design using single-cell and spatial RNAseq approaches. The position requires work in both BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments with appropriate safety training. Required background includes a PhD in Virology , Immunology , Microbiology , Molecular Biology , or a related field. The posting also looks for experience in in vivo pathogenesis, flow cytometry, molecular virology, qPCR, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and histology. Strong independence, teamwork, communication, organization, and mentorship experience are emphasized. Preferred, but not required: single-cell and/or spatial RNAseq, bioinformatics, and live-animal imaging. Funding and support: the lab is newly established and supported by Howard Hughes Medical Institute funding. Salary is listed at $60,000-$64,000, with university benefits including health and retirement options. How to apply: submit a cover letter, resume, and research statement through the University at Buffalo jobs portal. The posting is open until filled.