The Gaidt group at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) has an open PostDoc position to explore if novel innate immune pathways can be harnessed as innovative anti-tumor therapies. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with a PhD degree in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, or gene regulation. If you are passionate about research and excited to advance your scientific career in an outstanding research environment, you may be the one we are looking for!
The Gaidt lab is a multidisciplinary research group interested in the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, innate immunology and anti-tumor immunity. We apply functional genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry and in vivo mouse models to study immune functions and find creative ways to exploit them for therapeutic benefit. Our lab is at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) at the Vienna BioCenter, a life-science hub in the vibrant city of Vienna, Austria, which is frequently ranked the world’s best city to live. We provide an exciting training opportunity with world-class support at the group-, institute-, and campus-level including state-of-the-art facilities.
We have previously identified a novel innate immune pathway called MORC3-MRE that recognizes the enzymatic activities of DNA viruses to induce the anti-viral cytokine interferon (IFN). Due to the unique signaling properties of the MORC3-MRE pathway, it is the only innate immune pathway that specifically and only induces IFN. We have generated novel gain- and loss-of-function mouse models for this pathway that allow, for the first time, to study endogenous IFN in a gain-of-function setting! Considering the potent anti-tumor effects of IFN we are especially excited to explore if activating the MORC3-MRE-IFN axis can be harnessed to induce anti-tumor immunity.
Applications with a cover letter outlining your research interests, a CV including a list of publications and the contact details for two-three academic referees should be sent moritz.gaidt[at]imp.ac.at by 15th November 2022.
Group webpage: https://www.imp.ac.at/groups/moritz-gaidt/
Selected publications
M.M. Gaidt#, A. Morrow, M.R. Fairgrieve, J.P. Karr, N. Yosef and R.E. Vance#, Self-guarding of MORC3 enables virulence factor-triggered immunity, Nature 600, 138–142 (2021). #co-corresponding authors