Postdoctoral Associate : Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Postdoctoral positions are immediately available in the laboratory of Alicia R. Mathers, PhD. We seek one or two highly motivated and independent postdoctoral candidates with an interest in basic sciences and translational medicine. The successful applicant can choose between two projects. 
The first project will identify the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of electrophilic fatty acids in the skin. Additionally, these studies will inform the therapeutic development of electrophilic nitro-fatty acids for the treatment of skin diseases, specifically contact hypersensitivity and psoriasis. 
The second project is a preclinical proposal which will determine the involvement of ATP/P2X7R signaling in the development and maintenance of psoriatic lesions, and will elucidate novel P2X7R-dependent pathogenic mechanisms that can be exploited for novel psoriasis therapies.
For both projects the candidate must be willing to work with both murine models and human tissues. Models include murine models of psoriasis, human to mouse xenotransplants, and ex vivo culture of human skin explants. The successful applicant should have extensive expertise in cell culture, flow cytometry, and PCR, and should be comfortable handling mice, though applicants with other skill sets will be considered. 
Qualifications: 
• PhD and/or MD in immunology, dermatology, pharmacology, cell biology, or related fields. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and be interested in working with individuals from many different backgrounds including clinicians and basic scientists
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required
• Eligibility to apply for NIH Training Grants would also be a distinct advantage.
It is the policy of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Rank and salary are negotiable.