LACAVA LABORATORY / POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY
Postdoctoral Researcher
RNA Biology • Viral Mimicry • Innate Immunity & Interactomics
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) | Omaha, Nebraska
The LaCava Laboratory at UNMC is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to investigate how endogenous RNAs and RNA–protein complexes elicit viral mimicry and innate immune signaling. We aim to understand how retroelement-derived RNAs and ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are regulated and recognized by immune sensors.
Our research under this theme encompasses LINE-1 retrotransposon RNAs, other structured and double-stranded endogenous RNAs, RNA–protein interactions, and related nucleic-acid species, including DNA:RNA hybrids. We study their roles in innate immunity, inflammation, cancer, and aging, with an emphasis on mechanistic experiments in human cellular systems.
The laboratory has established strengths in biochemistry, native affinity capture, quantitative proteomics, and interactomics. We particularly welcome candidates who bring complementary expertise e.g. CRISPR/Cas genome engineering, and advanced mammalian cell and tissue models, allowing us to integrate molecular genetics and cell biology with biochemical analysis of endogenous assemblies.
We are looking for someone who:
- has a PhD or equivalent in RNA biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or a related discipline;
- has experience in RNA biology—for example RNA metabolism, RNA–protein interactions, RNA structure, dsRNA sensing, or transcriptomics;
- is comfortable working with proteins and protein biochemistry in an interactomics-focused laboratory;
- brings complementary skills, especially CRISPR/Cas genome editing and development of engineered mammalian cell models;
- ideally has experience with iPSC culture and differentiation or other advanced human cell models;
- is rigorous, intellectually curious, collaborative, and motivated to develop an independent research direction.
Additional experience in innate immune signaling, functional genomics, genetic screening, or advanced microscopy is valuable. Prior proteomics experience is not required. The successful candidate will learn quantitative mass spectrometry, endogenous affinity capture, targeted proteomics, and native interactomics while bringing their own methodological strengths to the team.
This position is especially well suited to someone who wants to connect RNA biology, genome engineering, and human cell models with biochemical and proteomic approaches to uncover mechanisms of viral mimicry and innate immune activation.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES: Please send a CV and a brief description of your previous research and future scientific interests, including the expertise you would bring and the skills you would like to develop, to [email protected]
