Our laboratory studies to understand how pathogens use host factors to secure invasion, persistence, and propagation. We are especially interested in studying the roles of cellular (sphingo)lipids in bacterial and viral pathogenesis and their significance on innate and adaptive immunity. The microbes we study include the bacterium M. tuberculosis and the emerging and re-emerging viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, and HIV. We employ new chemical probes such as multi-functional lipid analogs to investigate the mechanisms and pathways that control infections.


The Tafesse lab is well funded and offers a scientifically inspiring environment with access to the state-of-the-art facilities in proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and advanced microscopy. The candidate will have ample opportunities to acquire and develop new skills, including working with Bio-Safety Level-3 pathogens and collaborating with various national and international scientific teams. To learn more about our work, please visit our website www.ohsu.edu/mmi/tafesse.


Interested applicant should have a Ph.D., MD, or MD/Ph.D. in Biology/Biochemistry/Infectious Diseases or a related field. The applicant must also have a strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and challenging academic environment. If you are interested, please contact Fikadu G. Tafesse, Ph.D. (tafesse@ohsu.edu).