Postdoctoral Position: Immunology, Metabolism, and Chemical Communication

Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct multidisciplinary research at the interface of sensory biology, chemometrics, metabolism, and immunology.  Specifically, the trainee will study the identity and origins of odors arising from antigen-specific immune responses in animal models and humans in the laboratories of Bruce Kimball and Gary Beauchamp at the Monell Center.

The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a nonprofit, basic research institute dedicated primarily to research in smell and taste.  The Center is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has close ties to Penn as well as other Universities in Philadelphia.  Center research focuses on understanding how the chemical senses function and their importance in regulating behavior and physiology.  

Representative Publications

• Millet P., Opiekun, M., Martin, T., Beauchamp, G.K., Kimball, B.A. (2018). Cytokine Contributions to Alterations of the Volatile Metabolome Induced by Inflammation. Brain Behav. Immun. 69:312–320.
• Kimball, B.A. Cohen, A.S., Gordon, A.R., Opiekun, M., Martin, T., Elkind, J., Lundstrom, J.N., Beauchamp, G.K. (2016). Brain Injury Alters Volatile Metabolome. Chem. Senses 41:407-14.
• Kimball, B.A., Opiekun, M., Yamazaki, K. Beauchamp, G.K. (2014). Immunization Alters Body Odor. Physiol. Behav. 128:80-85.
• Kimball, B.A., Yamazaki, K., Kohler, D., Bowen, R.A., Muth, J.P., Opiekun, M., Beauchamp, G.K. (2013). Avian Influenza Infection Alters Fecal Odor in Mallards. PLoS One 8:e75411.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate would have experience working on cell-mediated immunity in vivo and in vitro. Strong self-motivation, an interest in obtaining new skills in chemical analyses and metabolomics, and a desire to work in a multidisciplinary environment are highly valued. A background in chemosensory research is useful but not required.  

Requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in immunology or a related field.  The stipend is in accordance with NIH standards. 

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to http://apply.interfolio.com/64837

• A cover letter describing your research experience and interests, career goals, and how you would integrate your interests into the Beauchamp/Kimball labs.
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information of three references

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Monell Chemical Senses Center shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.