HIV Replication and Therapeutics

Position Description:
A postdoctoral position is available in the Viral Mutation Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research to perform basic research on HIV replication and therapeutics.

Our overall goal is to understand how retroviruses replicate in the presence of potent host defense mechanisms and use this knowledge to develop novel strategies to control HIV-1 replication and development of AIDS. We are active in three major areas of HIV research. First, our aim is to understand the early stage of HIV-1 replication by using state-of-the-art imaging approaches to elucidate poorly understood aspects of viral replication in infected cells, including viral core uncoating and nuclear import. Second, we seek to understand the evolutionary interplay between virus and innate host defense factors. We use multiple experimental approaches to define the structure, function, and molecular interactions between the viral protein Vif and human APOBEC3 proteins, with the goal of developing novel therapeutics that target the host-virus interaction. Third, we are developing novel gene therapy approaches for the treatment of AIDS based on delivering anti-HIV genes to target cells of infection. Further details and a list of relevant publications can be found at http://home.ncifcrf.gov/hivdrp/Pathak.html.

Qualifications:
Interested candidates must have a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and have less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. Applicants must have a strong background in molecular virology and/or molecular biology and biochemistry. The stipend starts at $52,900, commensurate with experience. This is a time-limited, renewable appointment.

To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, CV including bibliography, and contact information for three references to the following address:

Dr. Vinay K. Pathak
Viral Mutation Section
HIV Dynamics and Replication Program
National Cancer Institute
P.O. Box B
Building 535, Room 334
Frederick, MD 21702-1201
E-mail: Vinay.pathaknih.gov

This position is subject to a background investigation. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.