Summary: An NIH-funded postdoctoral position is available to study the molecular mechanisms directing lung development, injury and repair in the laboratory of Cristina Alvira, MD, Benioff UCSF Professor of Children’s Health, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine at UCSF.
Alvira Lab Focus: The Alvira Lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that promote postnatal lung development and repair after injury. The Alvira lab utilizes genetic mouse models of of human disease, patient samples, advanced imaging and single cell multiomics to identify unique molecular pathways, cell subtypes and cell states present in the developing lung and understand how those developmental pathways contribute to lung repair. Our long-term goal is to leverage this new knowledge into the development of novel therapies to treat lung disease in infants and children.
Description: Current studies in our lab are centered upon the distinct roles of two capillary subpopulations in postnatal lung angiogenesis and alveolarization, with the goal of understanding the unique contributions of each population to the alveolar niche, differential sensitivity to injury and capacity to promote lung repair versus pathologic remodeling. Techniques employed in the lab include cell-specific knock out models, genetic lineage tracing, multiplex in situ hybridization, confocal imaging, immunofluorescence, single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing, bulk and single nuclei-ATAC sequencing, and gain and loss of function in primary cells.
The Alvira Lab is highly collaborative. In addition to leading their own project, postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to contribute to all ongoing projects in the lab. The Alvira lab also has numerous, ongoing collaborations with investigators at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Harbor UCLA, Columbia University, University of Colorado, Stanford University, the University of New South Wales, providing our postdoctoral fellows additional exposure to leading investigators in lung developmental biology.
In the Alvira Lab, we value diversity of background, perspective, and experience. We are committed to creating a highly collaborative, dynamic, and positive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity and passion for the discovery of new knowledge. The Alvira lab is committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe environment where all lab members feel equally valued.
We are seeking highly motivated and driven candidates with a PhD, or MD/PhD and experience in molecular biology, cell biology, vascular biology, developmental biology, immunology or a related field. Expertise in lung or vascular biology is required. Expertise in primary cell isolation and culture, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and mouse models of disease is desired. The ideal candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm, passion for research, intellectual creativity, self-directed learning, and a history of working well in teams. Excellent organizational and communication skills and evidence of successful scientific writing are required.
UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
Interested applicants should send: 1) a letter of interest summarizing their past research experience and career goals; 2) current CV; and 3) contact information for three references to [email protected]