Dr. Vladi Karniychuk’s laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Biosciences, is seeking a highly-motivated and dedicated to the profession postdoctoral scholar to conduct scientific research in virology.

Increasing CpG dinucleotide numbers in RNA viral genomes, while preserving the original amino acid composition of encoded proteins, is a cutting-edge approach for live vaccines. CpG-recoded viruses evoke impaired infection which does not cause disease. Beneficially, this impaired infection leads to robust antiviral host immunity. Our lab developed several CpG-enriched Zika virus vaccine candidates and demonstrated safety and protective efficacy in neonatal and adult mouse models and during mouse pregnancy [Trus et al. Methods Mol Biol, 2022; Udenze et al. Frontiers in Immunology, 2022; Trus et al. Frontiers in Immunology, 2020]. In addition to vaccine studies, we were the first to demonstrate the oncolytic potential of CpG-enriched RNA viruses. Specifically, we showed that Zika virus variants with increased genomic CpG content have reduced infection in healthy brain cells but high virulence in glioblastoma stem cells—stem cells that can self-renew and initiate the growth of glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of cancers [Trus et al., Viruses, 2020].

A postdoctoral fellow on the current project will study how the CpG dinucleotide content in viral RNA affects interactions with cellular proteins and immune responses. This will help to develop a better CpG enrichment approach for vaccines and oncolytics, and contribute new fundamental knowledge on viral genome biology. The project employs a range of molecular biological and virology approaches, cell culture, immunoprecipitation, and proteomics.

A particularly ambitious and productive postdoctoral scholar will also have an opportunity to contribute to our flavivirus pathogenesis studies. We work on Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis virus pathogenesis in the pregnant host, and our pathogenesis studies were published in well-recognized journals [PLOS Pathogens, PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Emerging Microbes and Infections, Virulence, EBioMedicine].

The candidate will be expected to conduct research, provide technical assistance to the PI, and help with student training. Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills are expected.

Only candidates with demonstrated ability to complete complex research projects during their Ph.D. and significant experience in standard laboratory techniques like PCR, western blots, tissue culture, etc., will be considered.

Interested applicants should e-mail their CV, a cover letter, and contact information of three references to Dr. Karniychuk (karniychuk.1@osu.edu).

The Department of Veterinary Biosciences operates in a team environment, providing access to all levels of experts, including internationally recognized experts in virology and immunology. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is among the top-rated Veterinary Colleges in the US and internationally. It is also the home of the Center for Retrovirus Research (CRR). The candidate will have an opportunity to become a member of the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) at The Ohio State University. The IDI membership includes over 200 faculty from various disciplines representing 10 colleges across the university. IDI brings together a dynamic research community that fosters a collaborative approach to address critical problems in infectious disease and the global environment.

Columbus, Ohio’s capital and one of the largest cities in the US, offers affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, easy commute, and a strong economy with growing industries in biomedical sciences, finance, insurance, healthcare, retail, e-commerce, and IT. Columbus has consistently been rated as one of the top US cities for quality of life and one of the best places for business and careers, partly due to its multicultural population and strong efforts to foster and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Only candidates with demonstrated ability to complete complex research projects during their Ph.D. and significant experience in standard laboratory techniques like PCR, western blots, tissue culture, etc., will be considered.