Jeff Chen
@jeffchenmycolab.bsky.social
Principal Research Scientist @VIDO.org & adjunct prof @usask.ca
- focus on molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interxns, development of vaccines & drugs against human & bovine TB.
- all views, opinions and comments my own.
- focus on molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interxns, development of vaccines & drugs against human & bovine TB.
- all views, opinions and comments my own.
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Excited to see the PhD work led by Sarah Danchuk published today. Virulence hierarchies within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Thanks to all the authors and collaborators, and especially kudos to Sarah: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
https://pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pn…
October 16, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Excited to see the PhD work led by Sarah Danchuk published today. Virulence hierarchies within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Thanks to all the authors and collaborators, and especially kudos to Sarah: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Given the absolutely insane levels of disinformation and growing attacks on science and scientists, all scientists must be taught
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
October 14, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Given the absolutely insane levels of disinformation and growing attacks on science and scientists, all scientists must be taught
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
Reposted by Jeff Chen
🚨 We're hiring for an animal technician! Apply now to join our team: vido.applytojobs.ca/veterinary%2...
#WorkAtVIDO #WorkWithUs #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #ResearchCareers
#WorkAtVIDO #WorkWithUs #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #ResearchCareers
September 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
🚨 We're hiring for an animal technician! Apply now to join our team: vido.applytojobs.ca/veterinary%2...
#WorkAtVIDO #WorkWithUs #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #ResearchCareers
#WorkAtVIDO #WorkWithUs #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #ResearchCareers
Delighted to share our latest report in Microbiology Spectrum
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Assembly of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis type VII ESX-1 secretion system in Mycobacterium smegmatis identifies a new transcriptional activator of esx-1 genes and a novel TB vaccine | Microbiology Sp...
In this study, we modified Mycobacterium smegmatis, which is often used as a surrogate model organism in mycobacterial research, to
produce and assemble a functional Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb)...
journals.asm.org
September 12, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Delighted to share our latest report in Microbiology Spectrum
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
😔
Unsurprising but horrifying. Wherever there are people forced into crowded living conditions, there will be tuberculosis. Wherever people are dehumanized, there will be tuberculosis. prospect.org/health/2025-...
Tuberculosis Spawning in Crowded, Dirty ICE Detention Centers
Doctors and medical researchers expect more outbreaks of infectious disease as the Trump administration crams thousands more people into miserable conditions.
prospect.org
August 20, 2025 at 6:54 AM
😔
Seventy-year-old Parkinson’s drug shows promise against tuberculosis | EurekAlert! www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
Seventy-year-old Parkinson’s drug shows promise against tuberculosis
A medication developed in the 1950s to treat Parkinson’s disease may offer a powerful new tool in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), according to new research from the University of British Co...
www.eurekalert.org
August 14, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Seventy-year-old Parkinson’s drug shows promise against tuberculosis | EurekAlert! www.eurekalert.org/news-release...
My fantastic group threw me a surprise birthday lunch today 🎉 🥳 🪅 Couldn't ask for a better group of people to be my partners in crime in the lab 😁
May 31, 2025 at 12:27 AM
My fantastic group threw me a surprise birthday lunch today 🎉 🥳 🪅 Couldn't ask for a better group of people to be my partners in crime in the lab 😁
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Corporate administrators who have only experienced jobs whose main benefit was pay cannot fathom that the very best find intrinsic value in excellence and are best left to do it without undue interference or burden
What happened when they instituted post-tenure review at Florida? The best professors left.
May 24, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Corporate administrators who have only experienced jobs whose main benefit was pay cannot fathom that the very best find intrinsic value in excellence and are best left to do it without undue interference or burden
Reposted by Jeff Chen
I got hit by some rather sudden and extreme financial hardship so if anyone is in need of remote wetlab contract research, strictly BSL1, do let me know. Currently scrambling for gigs.
Plant, Bacterial, Archaeal Non-model Bioeng
Custom Lab Hardware
Turn Key Genetic Design
Please repost for reach 💚
Plant, Bacterial, Archaeal Non-model Bioeng
Custom Lab Hardware
Turn Key Genetic Design
Please repost for reach 💚
May 2, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I got hit by some rather sudden and extreme financial hardship so if anyone is in need of remote wetlab contract research, strictly BSL1, do let me know. Currently scrambling for gigs.
Plant, Bacterial, Archaeal Non-model Bioeng
Custom Lab Hardware
Turn Key Genetic Design
Please repost for reach 💚
Plant, Bacterial, Archaeal Non-model Bioeng
Custom Lab Hardware
Turn Key Genetic Design
Please repost for reach 💚
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Join the Blokesch lab (@EPFL) as a postdoc in Molecular Microbiology 🤩
Study Vibrio cholerae defense systems (phage/plasmid) in a dynamic, collaborative environment in Lausanne close to Lake Geneva in 🇨🇭!
Please visit my lab's webpage for details about the position and how to formally apply.
Study Vibrio cholerae defense systems (phage/plasmid) in a dynamic, collaborative environment in Lausanne close to Lake Geneva in 🇨🇭!
Please visit my lab's webpage for details about the position and how to formally apply.
April 25, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Join the Blokesch lab (@EPFL) as a postdoc in Molecular Microbiology 🤩
Study Vibrio cholerae defense systems (phage/plasmid) in a dynamic, collaborative environment in Lausanne close to Lake Geneva in 🇨🇭!
Please visit my lab's webpage for details about the position and how to formally apply.
Study Vibrio cholerae defense systems (phage/plasmid) in a dynamic, collaborative environment in Lausanne close to Lake Geneva in 🇨🇭!
Please visit my lab's webpage for details about the position and how to formally apply.
Reposted by Jeff Chen
These stories landed today, within 11 hours of each other.
This presidential administration is a clear and present danger to the American people.
This presidential administration is a clear and present danger to the American people.
April 17, 2025 at 8:29 PM
These stories landed today, within 11 hours of each other.
This presidential administration is a clear and present danger to the American people.
This presidential administration is a clear and present danger to the American people.
Reposted by Jeff Chen
“Tuberculosis has long suffered a PR problem… We are looking at a world whereby, two years from now, 2 million people will die of #tuberculosis, instead of 1.25 million… This is getting worse, not better, and I really hate it when we have the ability to make something better and we let it get worse”
We know how to #EndTB. It's not a testing or treatment problem, we just need "a little f**king money." Around 250 people joined us at #TBHillDay to advocate for just that! This is only the beginning. We'll see you again next year, DC 🫡 www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Tuberculosis could end if there’s more US public health funding, experts say
Resurgence could be on horizon as outbreaks pick up speed in US and abroad amid public health program cuts
www.theguardian.com
April 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
“Tuberculosis has long suffered a PR problem… We are looking at a world whereby, two years from now, 2 million people will die of #tuberculosis, instead of 1.25 million… This is getting worse, not better, and I really hate it when we have the ability to make something better and we let it get worse”
To commemorate World TB day, got to discuss the state of TB in SK and our TB research at VIDO with Adam Hunter on CBC Radio
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
How researchers are trying to tackle Sask.'s high tuberculosis rates
Saskatchewan's rate of tuberculosis infections was more than twice the national average in 2023. Scientists in the province hope to find a new drug treatment and a new vaccine. Jeffrey Chen, a princip...
www.cbc.ca
March 24, 2025 at 11:31 PM
To commemorate World TB day, got to discuss the state of TB in SK and our TB research at VIDO with Adam Hunter on CBC Radio
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
Reposted by Jeff Chen
The gutting of USAID has crippled tuberculosis programs, leaving hundreds of thousands of patients without tests or drugs and at risk of spreading the disease.
Tuberculosis Resurgent as Trump Funding Cut Disrupts Treatment Globally
The United States was the major funder of tuberculosis programs. Now hundreds of thousands of sick patients can’t find tests or drugs, and risk spreading the disease.
www.nytimes.com
March 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The gutting of USAID has crippled tuberculosis programs, leaving hundreds of thousands of patients without tests or drugs and at risk of spreading the disease.
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Amazing thesis work led by Sarah Danchuk now submitted for review and posted as preprint: ssrn.com/abstract=51598…. Short summary: M. bovis & M. orygis manifest enhanced virulence compared to M. tuberculosis in natural host model (calves) and small animal model (mice).
March 4, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Amazing thesis work led by Sarah Danchuk now submitted for review and posted as preprint: ssrn.com/abstract=51598…. Short summary: M. bovis & M. orygis manifest enhanced virulence compared to M. tuberculosis in natural host model (calves) and small animal model (mice).
Reposted by Jeff Chen
I’ll be in Pittsburgh at the Stand Up For Science March at Schenley Park. 11AM Friday March 7! Come on people! Support the good people who do research to improve and save lives!!
We are experiencing an assault on science unparalleled by anything I’ve seen in my life. It’s not one issue or another anymore, the entire institution is under attack by the most powerful individuals in the country.
This Friday, where will you be?
standupforscience2025.org
This Friday, where will you be?
standupforscience2025.org
March 3, 2025 at 1:23 AM
I’ll be in Pittsburgh at the Stand Up For Science March at Schenley Park. 11AM Friday March 7! Come on people! Support the good people who do research to improve and save lives!!
Reposted by Jeff Chen
For all of you who cannot access pubmed, here is a good alternative:
europepmc.org
europepmc.org
Europe PMCHome - Europe PMC
Europe PMC is an archive of life sciences journal literature.
europepmc.org
March 2, 2025 at 9:56 AM
For all of you who cannot access pubmed, here is a good alternative:
europepmc.org
europepmc.org
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Remember, EuropePMC is actually better than #PubMed because it includes ALL preprints in search results, not just those including NIH-funded research.
europepmc.org
europepmc.org
Europe PMCHome - Europe PMC
Europe PMC is an archive of life sciences journal literature.
europepmc.org
March 2, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Remember, EuropePMC is actually better than #PubMed because it includes ALL preprints in search results, not just those including NIH-funded research.
europepmc.org
europepmc.org
Reposted by Jeff Chen
To our American friends who may now be struggling to find health information on US websites: Please check out the Public Health Agency of Canada's website for helpful resources, updated dashboards & practical health tips.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
canada.ca/en/public-he...
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
canada.ca/en/public-he...
February 1, 2025 at 12:06 PM
To our American friends who may now be struggling to find health information on US websites: Please check out the Public Health Agency of Canada's website for helpful resources, updated dashboards & practical health tips.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
canada.ca/en/public-he...
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
canada.ca/en/public-he...
VIDO held its annual research day - Slim Zriba (doctoral student) won 3rd prize for his project poster...super proud PI
Be on the lookout for some cool papers from this talented scientist👏👏👏
Be on the lookout for some cool papers from this talented scientist👏👏👏
January 31, 2025 at 3:36 PM
VIDO held its annual research day - Slim Zriba (doctoral student) won 3rd prize for his project poster...super proud PI
Be on the lookout for some cool papers from this talented scientist👏👏👏
Be on the lookout for some cool papers from this talented scientist👏👏👏
Delighted to finally get our bTB in bison story out. Great partnership between Parks Canada and VIDO with exceptional assistance from VIDO vet services team www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Orally administered live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis protect bison against experimental bovine tuberculosis - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Orally administered live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis protect bison against experimental bovine tuberculosis
www.nature.com
January 30, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Delighted to finally get our bTB in bison story out. Great partnership between Parks Canada and VIDO with exceptional assistance from VIDO vet services team www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Jeff Chen
At Roche's new Institute for Human Biology in Basel:
"We are seeking to fill two positions, one for a Co-Director of Exploratory Biology and one for a Co-Director of Computational Biology."
#ScienceJobs
institutehumanbiology.com/about-the-ih...
"We are seeking to fill two positions, one for a Co-Director of Exploratory Biology and one for a Co-Director of Computational Biology."
#ScienceJobs
institutehumanbiology.com/about-the-ih...
Co-Director - IHB
Co-Director Location: Basel, Basel-city, Switzerland Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is ...
institutehumanbiology.com
January 22, 2025 at 2:25 AM
At Roche's new Institute for Human Biology in Basel:
"We are seeking to fill two positions, one for a Co-Director of Exploratory Biology and one for a Co-Director of Computational Biology."
#ScienceJobs
institutehumanbiology.com/about-the-ih...
"We are seeking to fill two positions, one for a Co-Director of Exploratory Biology and one for a Co-Director of Computational Biology."
#ScienceJobs
institutehumanbiology.com/about-the-ih...
Reposted by Jeff Chen
*Two* open tenure-track biochemistry positions at @uofwaterloo.bsky.social !
ofas.uwaterloo.ca/job-details/...
ofas.uwaterloo.ca/job-details/...
Apply to Biochemistry - Two Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Positions - Joint Appointments in the Department of Biology and the Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo
ofas.uwaterloo.ca
December 12, 2024 at 12:48 PM
*Two* open tenure-track biochemistry positions at @uofwaterloo.bsky.social !
ofas.uwaterloo.ca/job-details/...
ofas.uwaterloo.ca/job-details/...
Reposted by Jeff Chen
Believe it or not, GRC has told me we need more registered applicants or this meeting might not survive! Please don't let that happen if you can afford to attend 🙏
If you're interested in learning about the latest of fundamental mycobacteriology, sign up for #GRCMyco2025! Acceptances will start in September, check out the full program and please RT!
We're live with the program!
www.grc.org/biology-of-m...
www.grc.org/biology-of-m...
November 19, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Believe it or not, GRC has told me we need more registered applicants or this meeting might not survive! Please don't let that happen if you can afford to attend 🙏