Description: A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Nongnuj Tanphaichitr, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), to carry out a new research project.  In this study, the candidate will develop dosage formulation (delivery system) of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to be administered intravaginally.  We will focus on the cathelicidin AMP, LL-37, and its derived peptide, 17BIPHE2, which possess both spermicidal and microbicidal activity (Kiattiburut et al., Human Reprod 2018, 33:2175-2183).  As Multipurpose Prevention Technology (MPT) agents, these AMPs will provide women with empowerment to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.  This study is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and is being carried out in both mouse (in vitro and in vivo) and human (in vitro and ex vivo) systems. 

Requirements: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell biology/physiology or related biomedical fields with ability to communicate well at both oral and written levels.  Knowledge and lab experience in the female reproductive physiology, sperm biology, and hydrogel and/or nanoparticles-based drug delivery to the vagina will give priorities in the recruitment.  Self-motivation to progress in his/her career as an independent investigator will also be favorably considered.   

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience, following the guideline of OHRI.  The term of employment can be up to 4 years.  OHRI is one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes with investigators performing research focusing on answering important health questions and translating their findings into benefits for mankind.  A sizable group of researchers in the field of reproductive biology are members of OHRI and also other academic institutes in Ottawa. 

How to apply: Please send your CV with description of research experience and names of three references to ntanphaichitr@ohri.ca