Multiple postdoctoral positions are immediately available to study the underlying molecular mechanisms of viral and cellular proteins in the infection, replication, and morphogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) particularly in hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs). Additionally, we are searching a cure for chronic hepatitis B by targeting novel molecular targets that were discovered in the lab recently. We are also interested in rational design and development of universal vaccine for several important human viral pathogens such as influenza, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2. Innovative research approaches developed and utilized in the lab include mouse models of HBV infection and replication, robust cell culture models of HBV infection and propagation, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, gene-editing (CRISPR/Cas9) system, cell biological, gene-knockout and immunological technologies. Candidates with experience in virology, molecular biology, stem cell research, genome-wide profiling of transcriptome, genomics and proteomics, and/or tumor biology are encouraged to apply. Salary and fringe benefits are highly competitive and commensurate with research experience. Applicants with Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degrees should send their CVs along with contact information of three referees to: Dr. George Luo at gluo@wakehealth.edu. Dr. Luo is a leading investigator in HBV/HCV research and serves as Editor of PLOS Pathogens and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Medical Virology and editorial board member of Journal of Virology, Virology, and viruses.

To learn more about the working and living environments at Wake Forest University, please open the links:

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAX4J7sz94rCXgM0OwkCJRg

https://about.wfu.edu/visiting/forest-view/

https://school.wakehealth.edu/

Recent publications on HBV:

Qiao LH, Sui JH, and Luo G (2018) Robust human and murine hepatocyte culture models of hepatitis B virus infection and replication. Journal of Virology doi:10.1128/JVI.01255-18.

Qiao LH and Luo G (2019) Human apolipoprotein E promotes hepatitis B virus infection and production. PLOS Pathog 15(8): e1007874. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007874 (Featured Article)

Li, YY and Luo, G. (2021) Human low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays an important role in Hepatitis B virus infection. PLOS Pathogens 17 (7): e1009722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. ppat.1009722.