Postdoctoral Opportunity in HIV-1 Host–Virus Interactions, Persistence and Therapeutic Discovery

Kalpana Laboratory | Department of Genetics | Albert Einstein College of Medicine | New York

The Kalpana laboratory invites applications for an NIH-funded postdoctoral position available immediately. We seek a motivated, curious scientist to lead projects at the intersection of Virology, structural biology, molecular virology, and therapeutic discovery.

Research opportunities: Our laboratory investigates interactions among HIV-1 integrase, the host protein INI1/SMARCB1, and RNA, with the goal of identifying new approaches to inhibit viral replication. Our discovery that the integrase-binding domain of INI1/SMARCB1 mimics RNA (Nature Communications) has informed the identification of a novel class of compounds that inhibit integrase–RNA interactions and HIV-1 replication.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to:

• Define mechanisms of antiviral action through molecular, structural, biochemical, and virological studies of compounds targeting integrase–INI1 and -RNA interactions.
• Uncover how host–virus interactions regulate HIV-1 replication, focusing on integrase and INI1/SMARCB1.
• Investigate HIV-1 persistence using single-molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smRNA-FISH) to inform HIV cure strategies (related publication).

Scientific environment: The postdoctoral fellow will spearhead mechanistic studies, expand their expertise across complementary disciplines, and collaborate with scientists and physicians at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and other institutions.

Mentoring and career development: The fellow will receive individualized mentoring from Dr. Kalpana to develop scientific independence and advance their career goals. Opportunities will include leading research projects, preparing manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and building interdisciplinary collaborations.

Qualifications: Applicants should hold a PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, molecular virology, or a closely related field. Experience in structural analysis is preferred. Candidates with expertise in biochemical methods, cell biology, genetics, or CRISPR/Cas9 technologies are also encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants who bring scientific initiative, dedication, curiosity, and enthusiasm for collaborative research.

Learn more about our research: Einstein Research Brief | This Week in Virology: “Einstein Goes Viral”

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000.

Equal opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

All hiring/ employment decisions are based on demonstrated capabilities, skills, and qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.