Research Assistant Professor Generation Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus; oHSV) Therapies

Department
:
Biology and Biochemistry Salary
:
Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description
:
The Department of Biology and Biochemistry at the Universityof Houston invites applications for a non-tenure-track Research Assistant Professor position to support an active, NIH-fundedresearch program focused on the development of next-generationoncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) therapies for cancer treatment.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing projects aimedat engineering and evaluating novel oncolytic HSV vectors with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and immune-modulating functions.

Responsibilities include designing and conducting independent research, supervising trainees and laboratory personnel, assisting with grant and manuscript preparation, and collaborating withmultidisciplinary investigators within and outside the University.

• Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Immunology,Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing or engineering herpes simplex virus or other viral vectors.
• Strong expertise in molecular cloning, genetic engineering, cell culture, and virological techniques.
• Experience with cancer biology and preclinical evaluation ofcancer therapeutics.
• A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant areas.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Direct experience with the development and engineering ofoncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV).
• Hands-on experience with bacterial artificial chromosome(BAC)-based herpes simplex virus (BAC-HSV) systems for viral genome manipulation.
• Knowledge of tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy, and immune monitoring techniques.
• Experience with mouse tumor models and translational cancerresearch.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in amultidisciplinary research environment and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative laboratory dedicated to advancing innovative virotherapy andimmunotherapy approaches for the treatment of solid tumors. The laboratory is supported by federally funded research grants andoffers an outstanding environment for scientific discovery,collaboration, and career development.

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university located in Houston, Texas, one of the world'slargest biomedical and healthcare centers. The Department of Biology and Biochemistry provides a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the- art core facilities and extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment andwill be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e.,communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems,electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.