Postdoctoral Fellow

Our laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immune cell behavior in the meninges and within the central nervous system. We are particularly interested in how tissue-derived inflammatory cues influence both regulatory and pathologic immune responses during CNS autoimmunity.

The successful postdoctoral candidate will lead a project focused on defining how signals from CNS-associated border tissues regulate neuro-inflammation in the context of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which is a model of multiple sclerosis. This project will provide an opportunity to study the dynamic interactions among stromal, myeloid, innate lymphoid, and T-cell populations at CNS barrier sites, with the goal of identifying the mechanisms that control immune cell activation, tissue adaptation, and disease progression. As such, this fellow will utilize flow cytometry, mouse models of neuroinflammation, adoptive transfer systems, imaging, transcriptomic approaches, and functional immune assays to reach this end.

We are seeking a highly motivated, curious, and creative scientist with a strong interest in neuroimmunology, autoimmunity, tissue immunity, or inflammatory disease. Candidates with experience in mouse models, T cell biology, myeloid cell biology, CNS inflammation, flow cytometry, imaging, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, and/or computational analysis are strongly encouraged to apply. However, applicants with diverse scientific backgrounds and a strong desire to develop expertise in neuroimmunology are also welcome.

The Lazarevic Lab is part of a vibrant and collaborative research community at the National Institutes of Health, with strong collaborations across immunology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and systems biology. The successful candidate will receive close mentorship and have opportunities to develop as an independent researcher, publish high-impact work, present at national and international meetings, and prepare for the next stages of their scientific career.

Prospective candidates should have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, neuroimmunology, neuroscience, molecular biology, and/or a related field. Strong familiarity with mouse models of inflammation, autoimmunity, neuroinflammation, or related disease models is required, as is experience with mouse handling, experimental procedures, tissue collection, and careful adherence to approved animal protocols.

Experience with flow cytometry, including immune cell isolation, antibody staining, sample preparation, and data analysis, and a solid foundation in cellular immunology, with particular interest in T cells, myeloid cells, innate lymphoid cells, stromal cells, or tissue-resident immune responses, is welcome. The ability to design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments independently, as well as strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain clear experimental records is required. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment is also a necessity.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.