Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher or Staff Scientist - Gene Therapy Vector Development Using Nonhuman Primates and Basic Research on Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)

Oregon Health & Science University（OHSU、オレゴン州ポートランド）中井浩之研究室では、ポスドクあるいはスタッフ研究員を募集しています。当研究室の主たる研究テーマはadeno-associated virus (AAV、アデノ随伴ウィルス)を用いた遺伝子細胞治療の研究、新しいベクターの開発ですが、マウスおよび大型動物（サル、ブタ、ネコ、ウサギ）を使った前臨床研究だけでなく、治療に用いるウィルスそのものの分子生物学的研究にも力を入れています。当研究室はOregon National Primate Research Centerにも所属しており、学内、学外にわたり幅広い共同研究も行っています。研究室は１０名程度で、研究員、ポスドク、大学院生、医学部生、研究補助員、大学生(undergraduate)・高校生インターンが様々な研究に取り組んでいます。ポートランドは、アメリカ北西海岸にある全米で最も住んでみたい都市にも選ばれている美しい都市でもあり、２−３年の留学を考えておられる方、あるいは５年もしくはそれ以上アメリカに残って自分の可能性を追求しようと考えておられる方、応募をお待ちしています。

Job Description:
The Nakai lab in the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine in Portland (Oregon, USA) is seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral fellows or staff scientists to study AAV and develop novel AAV vectors for the central nervous system, eye, pancreatic islets, and liver-targeted gene therapy using small and large animals including nonhuman primates and innovative technologies. Successful candidates will join the lab of Professor Hiroyuki Nakai, M.D., Ph.D. and have a unique opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary collaborative research at OHSU and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC).

The main research focuses of the Nakai lab are:

• AAV and other parvovirus vector biology - capsids, vector genomes and virus-host interactions
• AAV virology - assembly activating protein (AAP) and capsid assembly
• AAV antigen-antibody interactions
• Engineering of AAV and other parvoviruses to develop the next generation of gene delivery vectors
• Preclinical studies of gene therapy for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, eye diseases, and hemophilia
• Development of a non-surgical method of sterilizing cats and dogs

The lab takes interdisciplinary approaches to solving these problems, utilizing both wet and dry lab techniques including the next generation sequencing (-seq approaches), mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, computer simulation, structural modeling, image reconstruction and registration as well as traditional molecular and cellular biology-based approaches. The lab also uses small and large animal models, including mice, cats, rabbits, pigs, monkeys and chimeric mice with human liver or pancreatic islets in collaboration with experts in each field. Successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary collaborative team and will be expected to lead several ongoing and new projects. They will also contribute to the training of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students, as well as research staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Substantial knowledge and expertise in molecular biology
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize them
• Ability to organize and handle a large quantity of data
• Excellent creative thinking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong enthusiasm for AAV and gene therapy research

Salary Range:
$47,484+ Commensurate with experience

How to apply:
Please send a cover letter and C.V. to Hiroyuki Nakai, M.D., Ph.D. (nakaih@ohsu.edu).

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.