cWIDR Faculty Position in Molecular Microbiology

Call for Applications: cWIDR Faculty Position in Molecular Microbiology

Tenure‐Track Faculty Position in Molecular Microbiology Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis The Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research (cWIDR, “see‐wider”) and the Department of Molecular Microbiology invites applicants for Assistant Professor in microbial pathogenesis and host‐ pathogen interactions in infectious disease.

We are especially interested in candidates who are developing independent research programs on the molecular basis of infectious diseases and/or the interactions of commensal and pathogenic microbes, particularly in women.  In addition, candidates that may not be currently studying pathogens related to women’s health, but have an interest in exploring this new field are encouraged to apply.

The cWIDR, led by Director, Scott J. Hultgren, Ph.D., embodies a new concept in basic science and translational research exploring women’s health in an innovative, comprehensive way. The last few decades of research on diseases such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer that affect both men and women, but lead to disproportionate morbidity and mortality in women, have demonstrated that sex differences have important consequences in overall health and disease susceptibility. However, significant knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of how sex and gender affects fundamental mechanisms that govern a person’s health, disease progression, and response to therapeutics.

Using diverse approaches from microbiology, endocrinology, developmental biology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology and infectious diseases, the cWIDR is exploring the mechanisms of health and disease throughout the lifespan of a woman from fetal development and birth through childhood, puberty, adulthood, pregnancy, menopause, and old age. Ultimately, this deeper understanding of health and disease will guide diagnostic and therapeutic discovery in the cWIDR.

We seek applicants with Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. degrees, significant postdoctoral experience, and an established record of accomplishment in research demonstrated by excellent peer‐reviewed publications. Applicants should have a clear commitment to the rigorous training and instruction of medical students and graduate students, a strong desire to engage in interdisciplinary, collaborative research and an ambition for practical development of technology and medicines that improve female health and quality of life. We strongly encourage applications from those that are not currently engaged in women’s health research, but are interested in applying their expertise to this new and relatively understudied area.

Successful candidates will receive a competitive start‐up package and laboratory space within a newly opened 700,000 square foot state‐of‐the‐art research building. Please send a detailed curriculum vitae and a two‐page summary of current and planned research as a single PDF attachment and arrange for three signed reference letters to be sent as PDF to Dr. Michael G. Caparon, Associate Director and Faculty Search Committee Chair, caparon@wustl.edu. WUSM and cWIDR are committed to building diversity, women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.