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Postdoctoral Fellows
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Locci lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms of T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation and B cell helper function (https://www.loccilab.com/ ). Areas of active investigation in the lab include Tfh cell regulation of germinal center (GC) responses in vaccination and infection. The Lab is part of the Institute for Immunology, a large and vibrant immunology community at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA).
We are seeking motivated and talented Postdoctoral researchers to lead projects aimed at: Dissecting the mechanism of Tfh cell and GC induction by mRNA-LNP vaccines. Qualified applicants should have a PhD or an MD, strong background in vaccine immunology, experience with high-parameter flow cytometry and single cell RNA-sequencing. Background in bioinformatics is considered as a plus. Exploring novel regulators of Tfh and GC B cell biology in newly generated mouse models. Qualified applicants should have a PhD or an MD, strong background in immunology, experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry and in vivo mouse iimmunization and infection models. Relevant publications related to the two research lines described above are:
- Germinal center responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Lederer et al. Cell 2022
- Lipid nanoparticles enhance the efficacy of mRNA and protein subunit vaccines by inducing robust T follicular helper cell and humoral responses. Alameh et al Immunity 2021
- SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines Foster Potent Antigen-Specific Germinal Center Responses Associated with Neutralizing Antibody Generation. Lederer et al. Immunity 2020
- Activin A programs the differentiation of human Tfh cells. Locci et al. Nature Immunology. 2016
Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, cover letter and contact info for 2 references to: Michela Locci, PhD Assistant Professor, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania michela.locci@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
