The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is Canada's Centre for Pandemic Research. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is a leader in human and animal infectious disease research and vaccine development. For over 45 years we have developed solutions to emerging diseases including eight commercially available vaccines-six of which were world's firsts, with four more in regulatory development.

As a National Centre, we are home to one of the largest and most advanced level 3 containment facilities capable of housing both small and large animals including rodents, poultry, pigs, cattle, and bison. We are currently expanding our specialized infrastructure to include a vaccine GMP manufacturing facility, a new multi-species level 2 animal facility, and upgraded capacity to include level 4 containment. Our vision includes the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious disease of importance in human and veterinary health.

Dr. Angela Rasmussen is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow focusing on emerging viruses to join her research team.

Host responses to viral infection are major determinants of disease severity. Our central research focus is understanding how interactions between virus and host influence susceptibility, permissivity, and pathogenesis. Currently, the lab is focused on characterizing host responses to emerging viral pathogens, including Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2. We use a combination of classical virology approaches in cell culture and animal models coupled with global transcriptomics to link host responses to specific disease features. We are seeking curious, motivated scientists who have recently completed their graduate studies with experience in virology and bioinformatics to both conduct emerging virus research in our containment laboratory, studying SARS-CoV-2 and other containment level 3 viral pathogens at VIDO. In addition, this post-doctoral fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists in Canada and abroad to analyze transcriptomic data from viruses requiring containment level 4, such as Ebola virus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must have recently completed (within 3 years) a PhD or equivalent with a background in bioinformatics and microbiology and be willing to work in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. The ideal candidate will be proficient in analysis of biological data using R or Python. Prior experience with analyzing RNA sequencing data is strongly preferred. Must be organized and a team player with strong oral and written communication skills, as projects will involve regular interactions with colleagues and collaborators.

Status: 2-year Term

Employment Group: Post-Doctoral Fellows - PSAC

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary Information: The starting salary will follow the university standard for a post-doctoral researcher and will be commensurate with experience.