A post-doctoral position is open in the Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Sepsis of the Infectious Diseases Service at CHUV-UNIL (www.chuv.ch/min/en/min_home/min-recherche/min-axes- recherche/min-recherche-immunite-sepsis.htm and www.chuv.ch and www.unil.ch) to study the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) (Nature Rev Immunol 2003;3:791) in dendritic cell ontogeny and effector functions. The research project will focus primarily on dendritic cell development, maturation and activation by microbial products, expression of co-stimulatory and effector molecules and priming of the adaptive immune response.

Applications are invited from candidates (PhD or MD, PhD) with a strong background in innate immunity and dendritic cell biology. We are looking for highly motivated applicants with good organizational and analytical skills and a good command of English. Experience/skills in immunology, cell biology, biochemisty and molecular biology (cell culture, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, cloning, Western blotting and ELISA) is required.

The project is supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation and funds from the Infectious Diseases Service. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience according to the scale of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Position is available immediately and appointment will initially be for a two-year period with possibility of extension.

The CHUV is  part  of  a vast  network  of  internationally renowned  research institutions of  the Lemanic area of Switzerland, including the Center for Immunity and Infection, the University of Lausanne and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

Applications: Send letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, list of publications and names of 3 references to : Prof Thierry Calandra, tel: +41 (0)21 314 10 10;  Thierry.Calandra@chuv.ch or to Dr Thierry Roger, tel +41 (0)21 314 10 38;  Thierry.Roger@chuv.ch, Infectious Diseases Service, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.