Postdoctoral Fellow

Post-doctoral positions are available to develop a novel Bacteriophage T4-based, stem cell-targeted gene therapy technology

The Rao lab (https://t4lab.net/) is looking for creative and tenacious individuals interested in establishing a potentially transformative phage-engineered gene therapy technology to join our team at the Bacteriophage Medical Research Center, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. 

We are designing a novel genetic “drug” platform with the goal of eradicating the virus from people living with HIV. We will program the unique large-capacity T4 phage nanoparticle (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38364-1) to target hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vivo and deliver a gene correction payload, thus replacing the existing HIV reservoir with HIV-resistant cells. Once developed, this T4 Artificial Viruses technology would be broadly applicable to treat many genetic diseases and cancers and could transform the future of gene therapy. 

Requirements:

1. A Ph.D. in the life sciences or related field.
2. A strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology is essential. 

To Apply:

Email the following to rao@cua.edu 

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter stating why you are interested in this challenge and how you might help the team succeed