Immunology, microbiology: Host-pathogen interactions in Mycoplasma bovis pneumonia 

Department: Pathobiology 

Description of the Topic of Research 

The research program investigates host-pathogen interaction in Mycoplasma bovis infection, and focuses on the responses of bovine macrophages and neutrophils to M. bovis infection, and how the diseased lung microenvironment modulates these responses. Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogen of cattle for which adequate control methods are not currently available. The research addresses the reasons that some infected cattle develop severe chronic pneumonia while many other infected cattle remain healthy. 

Description of Lab

Research in our lab focuses on the pathogenesis of bovine respiratory disease and aims to advance fundamental understanding of the disease in ways that directly lead to novel control measures. The research is funded by NSERC, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and by the beef industry. 

General Outline of Duties 

The investigative approach involves primary cell culture and advanced analysis of diseased lung tissue. Laboratory methods involve mycoplasmal culture, bovine primary cell culture, confocal microscopy, live-cell imaging, and assays of inflammatory responses and cell death mechanisms, and may also include flow cytometry and electron microscopy. 

Supervisor: Jeff L Caswell

Teaching Requirement: None 

Student Supervision: No direct supervision of students 

Required Qualifications 

Applicants should have an interest in immunology and microbiology with a focus on host-pathogen interaction and pathogenesis, as well as mechanisms of inflammation and of cell death. The applicant must have completed a PhD degree with focus on immunology, microbiology or related fields, evidence of strong academic performance, and strong English language communication skills.

Start Date & Duration of Appointment: 1/7/2025 One year term, with an anticipated start date between January-May 2025. 

Anticipated Hours/Days of Work (at time of posting): 35hrs / 7days 

Salary Range: $45,000-50,000

Benefits: https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/postdoctoral/benefits-services

Application Requirements

Documents

• Cover Letter
• CV
• Summary of Research Experience
• Academic transcripts

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is between January - May 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Contact Information

Professor Jeff L Caswell, DVM, DVSc, PhD
jcaswell@uoguelph.ca
Faculty Website

Posting Date: Tue, 12/10/2024

Closing Date: Mon, 05/05/2025