Post-Doctoral Associate: Avian Immunology and Virology

About the Job

Post-Doctoral Associate:
Avian Immunology and Virology

Department of Animal Science

Classification &

Title:

9546, Postdoctoral Associate

Working Title:

Postdoc - Avian immunology and virology

Appointment Type: 100% FTE, 1‑year appointment with possibility of annual renewal to 3 years based on performance and continued funding

Reports to:

Sunantha Kosonsiriluk

College/Admin Unit:
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus

Location:

St. Paul Campus

The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities Turkey Health Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to support a multi‑year project on trained innate immunity as a novel, non‑vaccine strategy to strengthen poultry resilience to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This USDA‑APHIS‑funded project evaluates whether immune‑priming compounds can enhance antiviral readiness in poultry. The research includes respiratory and mucosal immunity, macrophage biology, in vitro cell‑culture models, in vivo immune‑priming studies, and field‑scale validation in collaboration with commercial industry partners.

The postdoctoral associate will serve as the primary researcher responsible for planning, executing, and troubleshooting experiments across all phases of the project, including in vitro assays, in vivo studies, challenge‑trial coordination, and field implementation. This position provides opportunities for professional development in immunology, epigenetics, animal infectious disease modeling, and translational poultry health. The position is 100% in person.

In vitro research – 35%

• Serve as the primary researcher conducting in‑vitro experiments.
• Culture chicken macrophage cell lines and primary leukocytes.
• Conduct immune‑priming assays using –glucans, CpG‑ODNs, and Poly(I:
  
  C).
• Perform RNA extraction, cytokine ELISAs, quantitative RT‑PCR, and basic epigenetic assays (e.g., histone‑modification profiling).
• Prepare samples for transcriptomics (RNA‑seq) and data interpretation.

In  vivo and BSL‑2/3‑associated research – 35%

• Lead immune‑priming studies in layer chickens and turkeys.
• Coordinate sampling (blood, tissues, swabs) and perform immunological assays.
• Plan and execute HPAI challenge trials at accredited BSL‑3
  
  Ag facilities.
• Perform necropsy‑related sample collection and tissue processing.

Field work – 15%

• Lead flock sampling and data collection at commercial poultry farms.
• Coordinate logistics with veterinarians and producers.
• Assist in evaluating field‑level immune responses and resilience outcomes.

General responsibilities – 15%

• Perform additional project‑related duties as assigned to support successful completion of research objectives.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and follow biosafety and IACUC protocols.
• Participate in lab meetings, contribute to manuscript preparation, and present research at conferences.
• Provide training and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project team members (immunology, epigenetics, virology, field production).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Prior experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RNA/DNA extraction, ELISA).
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments and troubleshoot laboratory protocols.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse research team.
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with avian research, macrophage biology, or innate immunity.
• Experience with epigenetic assays (ChIP, DNA methylation) or RNA‑seq workflows.
• Experience working in BSL‑2 or higher environments.
• Experience with poultry handling, sampling, or on‑farm research.

The Department of Animal Science (http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) in CFANS is located on the St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major enrolls approximately 400 students across several emphasis areas including Production, Pre‑Veterinary Medicine/Science, and Poultry. Students gain broad scientific training and…