Two research positions are available in the laboratory of Jolan Walter, MD, PhD, chief of the Pediatric Division of Allergy and Immunology at USF and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg Campus.
1. RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
POSITION SUMMARY: The candidate will be required to be proficient in basic laboratory techniques with special emphasis in flow cytometry, single cell sequencing and cell sorting, including analysis of data. Other techniques include microscopy, cell culture, transfection, molecular cloning, extraction of DNA, RNA, and microRNAs, and use of siRNA. The candidate should be well-versed with immunology, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. Besides working with human samples, we also expect the candidate to be proficient in handling mice, and be well-versed in breeding and maintenance of colonies, have knowledge of animal anesthesia, intravenous/retroorbital and intraperitoneal injections, and dissection. As a developer, the candidate will implement new programs, tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures by investigating alternatives; preparing proposals; developing and performing parallel testing; monitoring progress. For self-development, we expect the candidate to maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; and participating in professional societies.
Research: The candidate will pursue research to promote the goals of the laboratory focused on the study of inflammation, anti-inflammatory pathways, intestinal mucosal inflammation in animal models of primary immune deficiencies and tolerance mechanisms in human and mice, and similar themes under the guidance of the principal investigator. The candidate should also have an interest in B-cell dysregulation and related disease that affect children. This work will include investigations in a cohort of patients with autoimmunity and RAG-deficiency and murine models of rag deficiency, a feasible system to examine monogenic autoimmune disorders.
Teaching Duties: The candidate will be required to teach laboratory techniques and basic cellular and intestinal biology to medical trainees at various levels of experience, including students, residents, and fellows.
Minimum Qualifications: The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent qualification and should have 5 years of post-doctoral experience working in the field of human and mice Immunology. Experience with B cells and expression of human recombinant immunoglobulin from single-sorted B cells and mouse models of immunodeficiency is a must.
2. RESEARCH SCIENTIST
POSITION SUMMARY: The position exists to support and expand the vigorous basic science and clinical research program in the Pediatric Division of Allergy and Immunology. Maintaining and generating funding for such research by contributing to grant proposals, ancillary documents and progress reports is a primary role for this position. Funding source includes state, federal, private nonprofit, and commercial organizations. The position involves reviewing the literature, defining relevant research questions and hypotheses, designing, and implementing experiments, networking with staff, and collaborating investigators, analyzing data, and reporting findings in scientific meetings and publications. It also involves assisting with regulatory matters including Internal Review Board (IRB), and research grant organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in planning, composing, and organizing research grant applications and ancillary documents such as description of facilities and other resources, and letter of support complete progress and final reports for funded grants. Prepare and present scientific findings in institutional, regional and/or national meetings. Assist with the writing of scientific manuscripts for publication including graphical representations of data and concepts. Integrate the writings and feedback from coauthors, respond to reviewer comments and communicate with the editors. Give constructive feedback to staff researchers, fellows, residents, and students in preparing poster presentations for scientific meetings and manuscripts for publication. Attend and give didactic sessions within the USF Health Division of Allergy/Immunology as well as in other branches of the College of Medicine and affiliated institutions that are relevant to the research goals and projects in the USF Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Laboratory. Assist in complying with basic science and clinical regulatory matters involving IRB and research grant agencies. The duties include completing all required training courses, assisting with writing new protocols and consent forms, and helping with modifications and renewals of existing protocols. Assist with experimental design, implementation, and data analysis of multiple research projects in the USF Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Laboratory. Serve as an advisor and facilitator in processing and analyzing of patient and mouse samples for microbiome studies. Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum: The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical or medical science.
Preferred: Master’s degree in a biomedical field. Knowledge of and experience performing immunology research.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DR. JOLAN WALTER IN LINKEDIN.
