NATIONAL AIDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NARI PUNE)
73, 'G' Block, MIDC, Bhosari
Pune-411 026.
73, 'G' Block, MIDC, Bhosari
Pune-411 026.
Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Project Construction and Characterization of Genetically Engineered Chimeric HIV-1 Envelope Protein Modulating Virus Neutralization: Implication and Relevance in Vaccine development
Job Responsibilities
Molecular Cloning, Amplification and cloning of functional HIV-1 genes, genetic engineering, Neutralization assays, cell culture, correlating viral genetics with HIV-1 entry, and neutralization.
Essential Minimum Qualification(s) First Class M.Sc/M.Tech in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Zoology and in any other branches of Life Sciences.
Desired Qualifications Prior experience with molecular cloning, virus neutralization, isolation of viral RNA and proviral DNA, gene amplification, expression and sequencing and interpretation, cell culture and familiar with working with viruses especially HIV
Experience At least 2 years of proven research experiences. Preference will be given to candidates working with viruses, DNA, RNA and are familiar with molecular biology and virus biology
Consolidated Stipend (per month) Rs 14000/- + 20% House rent Allowances (HRA)
Age Limit 32 years
Important:
Two Letters of Recommendations are essential with the application. Details of previous work to be given in the application. If the candidate is currently working/associated with academia (such as Research Organization or University), he/she should provide letter of recommendation/support from his/her supervisor. The selected candidate will be required to join NARI immediately. Please note that there is no hostel facility.
Note: As per the guidelines of DBT, Govt of India, please note the following regarding benefits and compensation:
- No DA and CCA allowances
- HRA is as per rules
- Medical benefit: As per institutional rules
- SRF only eligible for causal leave. Participation in scientific meetings/workshops duly approve by Director, NARI and PI will be treated as “on duty”
- No Bonus and No Leave Travel Concession
- Shall be obligated by rules and regulations by host institute
FORMAT OF APPLICATION:
- Complete Bio-data/CV with a passport photograph attached to it
- List of Publications if any
- Areas of strength in laboratory research with evidence
- Hands on experiences on laboratory techniques
- Why are you suitable for this position?
- Specify your short and long time goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Application must be signed by the applicant
- Provide email and Telephone / Mobile No
- Send Application to Director, National AIDS Research Institute, 73, 'G' Block MIDC, Bhosari, P.B. 1895, Pune 411026.
Apply on plain paper, enclose full bio-data and attested photocopies of proof of age, educational qualification, work experience, degree certificates etc. along with a cross Demand Draft for Rs.25/- drawn in favor of Director, National AIDS Research Institute, 73, 'G' Block MIDC, Bhosari, P.B. 1895, Pune 411026. Government servants should apply through proper channel. Director, NARI reserves the right to shortlist candidates to be interviewed. Any canvassing by or on behalf of the candidates or bringing political or other influence with regards to selection shall be considered as a disqualification.
Summary of the Project:
The project is sanctioned under Vaccine Grand Challenge Program (VGCP) by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India under targeted objective: To investigate new approaches for development of vaccines against HIV. A major component towards an effective vaccine development against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) is to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. Thus, antibodies targeting conserved epitopes on the HIV-1 surface glycoprotein gp120 and the transmembrane glycoprotein gp41, which interact non-covalently to form a trimer of heterodimers on the virion surface holds a promise towards providing leads in vaccine development by abrogating viral entry. A major challenge in development of an effective HIV vaccine is to elicit neutralizing antibodies that will act a broad array of primary isolates with equal potency. The entry of HIV-1 into host cell by interaction with cell surface CD4 and a chemokine receptor (coreceptor) such as CCR5 or CXCR4 is the crucial step in the virus life cycle. The strength and quantum of interaction between SU gp120 with CD4 and CCR5 plays a very critical role in productive infection, transmission and sensitivity to inhibitors and antibodies interfering virus entry. Identification of determinants in HIV-1 envelope protein that induces structural conformation towards modulating envelope interaction with CD4 and coreceptors will potentially aid in designing envelope based vaccine. The flexible domains on envelope trimer of HIV-1 possess critical motifs that modulate affinity to CD4, coreceptor binding and sensitivity to neutralization. Our current research is focused on the motifs that play modulatory role in sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies and entry inhibitors. In our laboratory, we amplify complete functional envelope genes from HIV+ patients' plasma, clone into expression vectors and construct pseudovirus or virus like particles (VLPs). Using this technology, in our laboratory we have recently discovered few sensitive and resistant functional envelope proteins to autologous serum antibodies from HIV+ patients. Preliminary data provided us clue that certain domains in envelope protein conferred virus resistance to antibodies and further mapping of these envelopes would enable us to identify epitopes that played significant role in autologous neutralization. The current project aims to investigate the domains in these envelope clones conferring neutralization resistance and sensitivity to enable us design appropriate construct containing envelope sequence from these patients. Our approach is highly relevant and appropriate approach towards designing a tailor-made HIV-1 subtype C based vaccine.
Note:-
1) Application should be received before 10th-July-2010.
2) Please provide your Email addresss and Contact Number (Mandatory)
No comments:
Post a Comment