Description

Position Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Alka Khaitan at the Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team focused on pediatric HIV , immunology, and global health research. Our lab is dedicated to understanding the immunological mechanisms underlying perinatal HIV infection, specifically exploring the roles of inflammation in long-term outcomes and immune exhaustion as barriers to HIV cure in children.

The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge research that leverages a unique Kenyan cohort of children with perinatal HIV and an existing biobank to dissect the immunopathogenesis of the disease. The project involves the use of paired longitudinal PBMC and plasma samples, combined with advanced immunological assays such as high-parameter flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine staining, in vitro cell culture, HIV -specific functional assays, and immune checkpoint blockade strategies among others.

The Khaitan lab is housed in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA . As a postdoctoral fellow, you will be appointed at Indiana University School of Medicine and have access to a wide array of professional development and training opportunities.

We are seeking candidates with a passion for understanding pediatric HIV and its global health implications, as well as a drive to contribute to meaningful scientific advancements. Preference will be given to individuals with a proven ability to conduct independent research and publish at a high level.

• A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology or a related field, with a strong publication record.
• Experience in human T cell immunology, including advanced immunology assays and in vitro functional studies.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and effectively communicate research findings through scientific manuscripts and reports.
• Familiarity with scRNAseq, bioinformatics tools, and the analysis of large datasets is desirable but not required.

If you are enthusiastic about pursuing innovative research in pediatric HIV and immunology and are ready to contribute to impactful work in global health, we invite you to apply.

IUSM 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.

Basic Qualifications

A Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology or a related field.

Department Contact for Questions

Send your CV, a cover letter outlining your research experience and interests, and contact information for at least two references to Dr. Khaitan at [email protected] .