Postdoc at UConn health on innate immunity

The Li Lab at UConn Health is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our dynamic research team. Our lab focuses on advancing the understanding of innate immunity, particularly in the context of immune recognition during microbial infection, tissue damage, autoimmune diseases. We employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates immunology, biochemistry, and cutting-edge technologies, and we are eager to welcome applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds, including biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and more.

Research Focus: Our lab is dedicated to exploring immune recognition across various interfaces, including phagosomes, mitochondria, and mucosal surfaces, at both the cellular and organismal levels. One of our primary ongoing projects involves PhagoPL, an innovative proximity-labeling technique we have developed to perform proteomic analysis of phagosomal proteins. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to apply PhagoPL, as well as contribute to the development of other advanced tools, to study host-microbe interactions and innate immune sensing in both healthy and disease states.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., immunology, biochemistry, microbiology).
• Strong interest in immunology and using or developing novel technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• A strong publication record, experience with CRISPR-knockin and animal models is preferred.

  To Apply: Interested candidates should email Dr. Kai Li with the following documents:

  1. Cover Letter that includes:
     • A brief summary of your doctoral research.
     • Your research interests and why you are interested in joining our lab.
     • Your short- and long-term career goals.
     • Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic, professional, and research experience.
     • Names and contact information for three potential references.

       As a newly appointed Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at UConn Health (since November 2024), Dr. Kai Li’s research is centered on deepening our understanding of innate immunity through innovative techniques like PhagoPL, though not limited to it. Dr. Li collaborates with experts in cell death, antigen presentation, and proteomics, and is committed to fostering a creative and supportive research environment where postdoctoral fellows can thrive. The Department of Immunology at UConn Health provides an excellent platform for collaboration with leading experts in innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and cutting-edge technologies.