Post Doctoral Research Associate

Job Summary

ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in innovative translational research focused on human viral immunology. The Division offers a thriving academic research environment with outstanding facilities, diverse patient resources, and access to NIH, VA, and Department of Defense-supported research programs.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work closely with physician-scientists and research faculty within the Division of Infectious Diseases to investigate mechanisms of viral infection, immune response, inflammation, aging, and immune dysfunction. The position will also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty and investigators within the Center for Inflammation, Infectious Diseases and Immunology (CIIDI) at Quillen College of Medicine.

Candidates with research experience or demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• T-cell biology and T-cell aging
• Telomere biology
• HIV and other viral infections
• Inflammaging and cellular senescence
• DNA damage and repair signaling pathways
• Exosome biology and extracellular vesicle signaling
• miRNA regulation
• Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) development and function
• T follicular helper (TFH) and T helper (TH) cell differentiation
• Human viral immunology and translational immunology

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory and/or translational research under the direction of faculty mentors.
• Assist with the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of research studies.
• Apply appropriate molecular, cellular, immunologic, and/or virologic techniques to research projects.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate scientific methods.
• Maintain accurate research records and documentation.
• Present research findings at departmental, institutional, and professional meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and other scholarly materials.
• Collaborate with physician-scientists, research faculty, trainees, and multidisciplinary investigators.
• Participate in research activities and professional development opportunities through the Division of Infectious Diseases and CIIDI.
• Contribute to the development of research projects and pursue opportunities for scholarly publications
• Demonstrated research experience through doctoral training, publications, presentations, or other scholarly activities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, microbiology, virology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
• Viral immunology research experience is required, HIV/HCV infection is preferred

Research Environment

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be part of a collaborative research environment within the Division of Infectious Diseases and CIIDI, with opportunities to interact with investigators across Quillen College of Medicine. The position provides access to clinical and translational research resources and opportunities to participate in NIH, VA, and DoD-supported research initiatives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated postdoctoral researcher seeking to advance expertise in human viral immunology, immunosenescence, inflammation, and translational infectious disease research while working alongside established physician-scientists and multidisciplinary investigators.

Compensation and Benefits

• Job Family – Researcher 2
• Salary – MR 6
• For more information regarding benefits, please visit ( Employee Benefits )

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The posting is subject to change without notice to the applicants.
• This position is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
• Please include the following documents: Cover Letter and Resume

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation s.