Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate in Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology (MI) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine invites applicants for a Bridge to Faculty postdoctoral research associate position beginning August 16, 2025. The Bridge to Faculty Scholars (B2F) Program is a UIC postdoctoral program designed to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the goal of transitioning them to tenure-track faculty positions after two years (https://diversity.uic.edu/faculty/bridge-to-faculty/). This recruitment initiative aims to attract and retain promising scholars to UIC, as well as diversify our faculty to better serve the cultural wealth of our students, our community, and the nation. We are seeking innovative and collaborative individuals pursuing fundamental or translational aspects of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogenesis, host responses to infection, and immunology. Applicants should be outstanding in their chosen area and have a strong collaborative interest with current MI faculty and those found elsewhere at UIC and in the Chicago region. Individuals whose research interests encompass health disparities, women’s health or sex differences are especially encouraged to apply.

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology serves as the center of basic research and training in infectious disease, host-pathogen interactions, and immunology at UIC. The mission of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is to conduct outstanding research on the biology, transmission and pathogenesis of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as on the fundamental immune mechanisms that contribute to both health and disease. There are currently seventeen faculty members within the department who study diverse biological questions, ranging from autoimmunity, cell death in the immune system and the selection of immune repertoire, emerging and persistent bacterial and viral pathogens, the role of the microbiome in disease, and the development of anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer therapeutics and vaccines, using state-of-the-art approaches. This includes research on important human pathogens such as Salmonella, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, HIV, influenza, herpesviruses and emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, Nipah virus and arenaviruses.

We offer an intellectually exciting, collegial and supportive environment with robust graduate, physician scientist, and post-doctoral training programs, as well as extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration. In particular, the department has an established postdoctoral mentoring program, which includes bi-weekly sessions providing extensive feedback on oral presentations and written proposals.  Resources include outstanding core facilities for DNA/RNA sequencing and genomics, imaging, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, structural analyses and automated drug screening. The department has a BSL3/ABSL3 facility that facilitates the study of many emerging pathogens and the College has a Gnotobiotic Core for microbiome research.

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest public university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant, and engaged urban university. The College of Medicine is one of the largest medical schools in the country, serving one of the nation’s most diverse student population.

Description:

B2F Program. The Bridge to Faculty Scholars program seeks to advance diversity on the permanent faculty level by encouraging the recruitment, retention, and promotion of outstanding scholars from different backgrounds, with an emphasis on attracting individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in our discipline. Bridge to Faculty is designed to recruit scholars with the goal of transitioning them to faculty members after two years. After the first year, and subject to satisfactory performance and University approval, this position may be re-appointed for a second year. Salary will follow NIH guidelines for Postdoctoral Fellows. Salary guidelines can be viewed here:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/salary-cap-stipends

Successful postdoctoral associates may have the opportunity to transition to tenure track faculty starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. Scholars will be mentored by members of the MI department, with the opportunity to participate in teaching and service. They will also meet other UIC Scholars through cohort-based events and workshops organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. The Bridge to the Faculty Scholars Program is funded by the Chancellor’s Office and administered through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. More information about the program can be found at https://diversity.uic.edu/faculty/bridge-to-faculty/.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, or related fields, no earlier than August 16, 2022 and no later than August 16, 2025.

Applications must include a cover letter and 1) a research plan, 2) statement about their past, present, and future contributions to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in their professional career, 3) a curriculum vitae, and 4) the names and contact information of at least three references. The research plan does not require a defined faculty sponsor but should include short- and long-term research interests so that a potential mentor can be identified.

Please send applications to Karen Righeimer, Director of HR at [email protected]

Questions about this position may be sent to Professor Susan Ross ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin 1/16/2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations for applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment.