Job Description

We’re hiring! Come join the Weber Lab at the University of Iowa to study Chlamydia trachomatis host-pathogen interactions and bacterial effector biology. Projects focus on how chlamydial effectors hijack centrosome biology, nucleocytoplasmic transport, vesicular trafficking, and innate immune signaling.

Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
The Weber Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa is
seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to investigate host-pathogen interactions and bacterial
effector biology during Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Our research focuses on understanding how
chlamydial effector proteins promote intracellular survival, immune evasion, and pathogenesis. Current
projects examine how chlamydial inclusion membrane (Inc) proteins and secreted effectors manipulate
centrosome duplication, nucleocytoplasmic transport, vesicle trafficking, and innate immune signaling
during infection.
Current projects focus on defining how chlamydial effectors reprogram host cell architecture and signaling
pathways, how infection disrupts centrosome homeostasis and contributes to multinucleation and
chromosomal instability, and how Inc proteins coordinate interactions at the host-pathogen interface to
support bacterial replication and persistence.
Research in the laboratory integrates microbiology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, microbial
genetics, CRISPR-based engineering and screens, advanced fluorescence and live-cell microscopy,
proteomics, and animal models of infection. The successful candidate will join an active and collaborative
research environment with opportunities to develop independent projects, publish impactful work, present
at national and international meetings, and mentor trainees.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree with a strong background in microbiology, cell
biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or immunology. Candidates with experience in microbial
genetics, microscopy, infection models, or biochemical approaches are especially encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and the ability
to work both independently and collaboratively. Compensation will be commensurate with experience
and follow current NIH guidelines.
To apply, please send a cover letter describing your research experience and interests, a CV, and contact
information for three references to Dr. Mary Weber at mary-weber@uiowa.edu.
Iowa City is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States and offers a vibrant
research and cultural environment with a low cost of living, thriving arts community, and access to
outstanding outdoor recreation. Iowa City is also within driving distance of several major metropolitan
areas including Chicago, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Omaha.
Mary M. Weber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Iowa
mary-weber@uiowa.edu
https://weber.lab.uiowa.edu/