A graduate student position is available immediately to study the mechanism of immune enhancement in chickens using nanotechnology in the laboratory of Dr. Palok Aich.

A major challenge for vaccination is the efficient and targeted delivery of the antigen to enhance immune responses. Recent advances in nanotechnology have suggested that nanoparticles may be effective in the delivery of immune stimulatory molecules including antigens. Results from our laboratory revealed that certain nanoparticles formulations increase the efficiency of immune stimulatory agents.

In this project we will attempt to understand the mechanism of efficacy enhancement of select antigens or immune modulators in chickens using nanoparticles.

Candidates should have a minimum of B.Sc. in chemistry or biological sciences with a strong interest in immunology and biochemistry.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is a research institute at the University of Saskatchewan. The Organization provides a stimulating collaborative environment in a variety of disciplines, including molecular microbiology, virology, cell biology, immunology, genomics and proteomics, and clinical research. The successful candidate will be expected to work in a team-based research environment.

Students have the opportunity to enroll through a University Department or through the Vaccinology and Immunotherapeutics program at the School of Public Health. This program is unique in that it provides graduate students an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of disciplines in one institution and to interact with top-level national and international scientists and experts through the linkages that will be developed. The program offers trainees the opportunity to tailor their studies to achieve direct real-world impacts which also gaining unique interdisciplinary experience. Additional information is on the website www.usask.ca/sph.

Interested candidates should direct applications, including a curriculum vitae and three names of references with detailed contact information to: Human Resources, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 5E3.Fax: (306) 966-7478 E-Mail: joyce.sander@usask.ca or contact Dr. Palok Aich at palok.aich@usask.ca.

For more details please visit http://www.usask.ca/cgsr/research_opportunities/opportunity/vido3.php

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is a research institute at the University of Saskatchewan. The Organization provides a stimulating collaborative environment in a variety of disciplines, including molecular microbiology, virology, cell biology, immunology, genomics and proteomics, and clinical research. The successful candidate will be expected to work in a team-based research environment.