肆客足球

???Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: SU-IRG

Project Title: Investigating the role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sarcoidosis

The Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Immunology Research Group performs cutting edge research in clinical and basic immunology on TB pathogenesis and biomarker discovery. A postdoctoral fellowship (2025-2026) hosted by the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Immunology Research Group (SU-IRG) is immediately available.

Scope of Research

Sarcoidosis is one of the commonest causes of interstitial lung disease and has several similarities with tuberculosis, including granulomatous inflammation. In the case of sarcoidosis the etiological agent leading to the multi-organ granulomatous inflammation is unknown. One of the potential causative agents is infection with Mycobacteriumtuberculosis (M.tb) although sarcoidosis, unlike tuberculosis, is often treated with immunosuppression. The commonest manifestations of sarcoidosis include intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and pulmonary interstitial lung disease. It is, however, a multi-organ disorder with skin, eye, cardiac, hepatic and other organ involvement common occurances. In most cases the disease is self-limiting but in a significant subset immunosuppressive therapy, like corticosteroid treatment, is required. Some forms of sarcoidosis can lead to progressive lung fibrosis and can be therapy resistant. A range of viral and bacterial causes have been postulated and in our setting, we want to build on previous results generated by our group that suggests that Mtb may be the etiological agent in our environment. The project will employ advanced molecular techniques to demonstrate the presence of absence of Mtb DNA, RNA and protein in resected tissues from human sarcoidosis patients. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with pulmonologists and dermatologists at Tygerberg Academic Hospital. The current post- doctoral position is for a candidate with strongexpertise in cell biology techniques, mass spectrometry and molecular biology techniques. A high level of motivation,responsibility, and independence are expected. ??Preferences will be given to candidates with aforementioned skills together with basic bioinformatic knowledge such as basic R-studio experience.

Summary of Fellowship

A non-taxable fellowship, compliant with SARS regulations, is offered for 2 years with annual renewal contingent on progress, performance reviews and funding availability.

Key Requirements

1. Ph.D degree in a molecular biology field (obtained in the past 2 years)
2. Advanced experience in molecular biology and mass spectrometry
3. Thorough understanding of statistical analysis.
4. Be familiar with and trained in accordance with GCLP guidelines.
5. BSL3 experience and competency.
   

Duties and Responsibilities

The fellowship holder will be expected to perform:

• ?Tissue preparation for microscopy
• DNA and RNA extraction from resected tissues
• Targeted proteomic analysis on tissue homogenates
• Design and execute the project, analyze and interpret the data.
• Provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support in immunological techniques.
• Apply solid scientific proficiency, creativity, critical thinking ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Supervision of post-graduate students.
• Assist with the operational matters specific to the project.
• Record and maintain data and information, as relevant and appropriate.
• Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community in general.
• Contribute substantially to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications.
• Comply with 肆客足球 policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities, promoting race equalitypolicy, health and safety policy, information systems security policy and intellectual property rights.
  

Applications or enquiries regarding the fellowship can be directed to Prof G.Walzl (gwalzl@sun.ac.za). Please includea letter of motivation, full CV and contact details of 3 referees.

Closing date for applications: ?31 July 2025?

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Innate Immunity Lab

Project Title: Characterization of lung resident- and peripheral innate cell effector functions in M.tb infection and disease

The Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Immunology Research Group performs cutting edge research in clinical and basic immunology on TB pathogenesis and biomarker discovery. A postdoctoral fellowship hosted by the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 Immunology Research Group (SU-IRG) in the Innate immunity team is immediately available. 

Scope of Research

Human infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is known to result in a spectrum of disease outcomes, ranging from cleared infection to severe disease. In pulmonary M.tb infection, peripheral- and lung-resident immune responses are likely important determinants of disease outcome, yet these and subsequent effector functions remain poorly understood. Specifically, the immune composition of TB granulomas along the spectrum of TB infection, remains under investigated. Our research focuses on various aspects of peripheral- versus site of disease and granuloma-specific immunity at single cell level. Our goal is to better understand the role of innate immune cells at the site of M.tb infection during various stages of disease along with the interconnected function of cells and tissues, from single cell to system level. The current post-doctoral position is for a candidate with strong expertise in cell biology techniques or small animal laboratory models, proven experience in flow cytometry, microscopy and ideally knowledge on in vitro 3D organoids or in vivo biopsy techniques. A high level of motivation, responsibility and independence are expected. 

Summary of Fellowship

 A non-taxable fellowship, compliant with SARS regulations, is offered for 1 year with annual renewal contingent on progress, performance reviews and funding availability.

Key Requirements

1. ??Ph.D degree in a molecular biology field, with immunology as main subject. (obtained in the past 5 years) 
2. Advanced experience in cell biology or small animal models 
3. Strong expertise in flow cytometry, microscopy, cellular immunology and molecular assays. 
4. Thorough understanding of statistical requirements for analysing multi-dimensional datasets. 
5. A track record of publications in the field of molecular biology/immunology of infectious diseases. 
6. Experience in other specialized immunological end-assays will be advantageous.
7. ?Ability to work independently.
8. Good communication and organizational skills. 
9. Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities with exceptional time management skills. 
10. Experience in supervising postgraduate students (honours and MSc level).
11. Be familiar with and trained in accordance with GCLP guidelines. 
12. BSL3 experience would be advantageous 

Duties and Responsibilities

The fellowship holder will be expected to:

• Develop and improve co-culture system to assemble 3D organoid from primary cells 
  
• Develop and improve co-culture system to assemble 3D organoid from primary cells 
  
• Design and execute the project, analyze and interpret the data. 
  
• Provide up-to-date technical expertise, advice and support in immunological techniques. 
  
• Apply solid scientific proficiency, creativity, critical thinking ability to collaborate effectively with others. 
  
• Supervision of post-graduate students. 
  
• Assist with the operational matters specific to the project. 
  
• Record and maintain data and information, as relevant and appropriate. 
  
• Contribute to the presentation of results to the group, collaborators, and to the research community in general. 
  
• Contribute substantially to the preparation of grant reports and scientific publications. 
  
• Comply with 肆客足球 policies, including financial regulations, equal opportunities, promoting race equality policy, health and safety policy, information systems security policy and intellectual property rights. 
  

Applications or enquiries regarding the fellowship can be directed to A/Prof. N. du Plessis (nelita@sun.ac.za). Please include a letter of motivation, full CV and contact details of 2 referees. 

Extended closing date for applications: ?31 July 2025??