Post-Doctoral Associate - Rheumatology

Job Description:
Our lab is interested in understanding the fundamental biological mechanisms for immunological tolerance during autoimmunity and transplantation, directed at therapeutic intervention strategies. We are using autoimmune animal models to understand biological processes involved with autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Immune checkpoint inhibition as well as chimeric antigen receptor T cells are being investigated as therapeutic options for restoring immunological tolerance. The post-holder will be involved in the design, development, execution and characterization of novel pathways as therapeutic targets. In this role the responsibilities will involve the management and evaluation of experimental cellular therapies for diabetes using mouse models; this will include genotyping (PCR), drug preparation and delivery and dissection of mice upon trial completion; play a role in trial evaluation via protein and RNA analysis including histology, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, cellular assays, RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, ELIspot and cellular imaging. Scientist will help use the data collected from these evaluation methods to initiate subsequent trials; assist in normal lab and mouse colony maintenance and organization, supervise other technicians and undergraduate students; and perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties:

Perform independent research projects according to established protocols and following direction of PI to include: MAb production, cell culture, CAR Treg generation, evaluation, and immune suppression assays, drug preparation, tolerance experiments, diabetes assessment, plasmid transfection, drug preparation and administration, assist with PBMC and tissue preparations, assist with surgical procedures, and perform flow cytometry analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Prepare written and graphical descriptions of results to discuss with PI. Review scientific literature, technical documents, and perform other experiments as assigned by the PI. (70%)

Dirty mouse facility experimental design, execution, monitoring, injections, and tissue harvest, and analysis to evaluate the role of microbes on the immune response during the induction and prevention of type 1 diabetes and how checkpoint inhibition impacts disease progression. (30%)

Required Qualifications: (Must be documented on all application materials)

• Ph.D and B.S. or B.A. in biological sciences, related field, or education and work experience
  in biological science to equal a combination of 10 years. Five years Immunology research
  experience.

• Multiparametric flow cytometry, FACS-based cell sorting, high-dimensional immunophenotyping, and FlowJo analysis.
• Primary cell isolation (murine lymphoid/ocular tissue, human PBMCs), Treg cultures, ELiSPOT, and ELISA.
• Complex murine tissue harvesting, islet cell isolation/transplantation, and blood collection.
• Systemic, local, and ocular injections, along with disease induction (EAU), adoptive transfers, and genetic fate mapping.
• DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR, Western blot, mAb purification, comet assays, and enzyme kinetics/spectroscopy.
• Sterile mammalian/tumor cell line maintenance (BSL-2), in vitro transmigration, and ex vivo explant cultures.
• Confocal/fluorescence microscopy, IHC, and ICC.
• Independent execution of autoimmune and T-cell differentiation research projects, statistical analysis (Prism), and SOP/report writing.
• Solution preparation, safe handling of hazardous/biohazardous waste, and collaborative team support.

Preferred Qualifications

Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse handling, monitoring and husbandry skills including diabetes monitoring and management, biological/cellular imaging, and human tissues, PCR troubleshooting, Western blot analysis, aseptic technique and assistance with surgical procedures is highly desirable.

Pay Range: The starting is $29.91 to $35.96 depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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