The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has initiated a multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator program to develop and implement revolutionary proteomic microarray, drug discovery and drug design approaches to detect and combat highly pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

This program will initially develop countermeasures to pathogens on the CDC "select agent list", including alphaviruses, arenaviruses, flaviviruses, bunyaviruses, Bacillus anthracis, Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia rickettsii. Success in these efforts will lead to diagnostic microarrays and therapeutic drugs for less pathogenic microorganisms such as hepatitis C virus, influenza virus, and E. coli O157:H7.

The Anti-Pathogen Program encompasses synergistic proteomic microarray projects, drug discovery and drug design projects, and counter-bioterrorism projects. These projects utilize recent breakthroughs in human genetics, proteomics and combinatorial selection methods, as well as advances in cell, structural and molecular biology.

Excellent facilities are available to the Anti-Pathogen Program. This program complements the National Center for Defense against Bioterrorism funded by DARPA, DTRA (DoD) and CDC at UTMB, UT Austin, UT SW, Dallas and other institutions.

The Anti-Pathogen Program has post-doctoral positions available for highly motivated scientists, with starting salaries up to $40,000 per year. Applicants will be under the direct supervision of faculty who are experts in microbiology, infectious disease and structural biology. Applicants must have a strong publication record, a desire to contribute to the control of pathogenic diseases, and research experience in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology or structural biology. Applicants should send their CV and the contact information for three references to Dr. S. J. Watowich (watowich@bloch.utmb.edu).