Research Scientist - DILLON​/DENISCO Lab

Job Summary

The Dillon and De Nisco laboratories are looking to hire a co-mentored postdoctoral scholar to work on collaborative projects on improving antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infection management. The Dillon lab seeks to decipher the basis for how antibiotic resistance evolves, specializing in research on high-priority MDR pathogens, antibiotic pharmacology, and host‑pathogen interactions including murine models of infection. Our current focus is how we can modify the host microenvironment to improve antibiotic efficacies.

The De Nisco lab is focused on understanding mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, host response, and urinary microbiome structure and function contributing to recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) in postmenopausal women. A current major research focus of the De Nisco lab is the role of the urinary microenvironment in UTI susceptibility and treatment outcomes. We seek to understand how the female urinary tract is shaped by aging, hormonal status, and history of infection using metagenomics, advanced statistical models, and analytical biochemistry.

This position will be co‑mentored by two TT Faculty in two different laboratories.

Ph.D in a related field. Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree‑granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral.

Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

• The successful postdoctoral applicant should have a proven academic publication track record, including multiple first‑authored publications in well‑respected peer‑reviewed journals, as well as excellent scientific, organizational, record‑keeping, problem‑solving skills.
• Candidates with expertise in host‑microbe interactions related to bacterial infections, defining drug mechanisms of action, microbiome analysis, and exploring how host microenvironments impact treatment efficacies will be prioritized.
• The selected candidate will also be encouraged to explore new research areas and seek independent NIH or foundation funding as part of their own career development.

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

• Work on collaborative projects on improving antibiotic outcomes in urinary tract infection management.
• The candidate will conduct independent research on both established and new projects in the Dillon and De Nisco labs.
  • Defining the mechanistic basis for minocycline resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii in the Dillon lab.
  • Characterizing host urinary microbiome changes in human clinical cohorts in the De Nisco lab.
• Decipher the basis for how antibiotic resistance evolves, specializing in research on high‑priority MDR pathogens, antibiotic pharmacology, and host‑pathogen interactions including murine models of infection.

Laboratory environment

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• Internal Training
• BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full‑time employees
• Vision Insurance
• Long and short‑term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Dental/Vision/AD&D
• Paid Time off
• Fertility Benefits

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment.

The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.