Assistant Professor, Surgical Sciences - Transplant Immunology

University of Maryland, Baltimore•Baltimore, MD

19d

About The Position

The Surgical Sciences Division of the Department of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Professor to join our research team. The position will focus on investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in ischemia re-perfusion injury in lung transplantation, and the impact of early injuries on fibrosis and long-term transplant outcomes. This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist to work with leading experts in the field, including Dr. Christine Lau, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, and Dr. Valeria Mas, MSc, PhD FAST, Chair of the Surgical Sciences Division. The successful candidate will be expected to lead independent research projects, participate in collaborative initiatives, mentor trainees, and contribute to the academic mission of the Department.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields. Postdoctoral experience is required.
Expertise in molecular biology techniques, including RNA and protein extraction, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
Experience with advanced microscopy, single-cell RNA sequencing, epigenetic analyses, and CRISPR gene editing.
Familiarity with flow cytometry and bioinformatics tools for data analysis (e.g., R, Python, Seurat).
Knowledge of transplant immunology, fibrosis, ischemia reperfusion injury, and cellular responses to injury in transplant models.
Strong publication record and the ability to communicate scientific findings effectively at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Experience in writing successful research grant applications is an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead Molecular and Cellular Research: Design and conduct experiments to explore pathways involved in fibrosis progression in transplant kidneys and ischemia reperfusion injury in lung transplantation.
Study the effects of early injury on fibrosis development, long-term outcomes, and the achievement of tolerance in transplant settings.
Experimental Techniques: Perform RNA, DNA, and protein extraction, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
Utilize advanced microscopy techniques for cellular analysis, including high-resolution and live-cell imaging.
Perform single-cell RNA sequencing, snRNAseq, snATAC-seq, and spatial transcriptomics, including epigenetic analyses such as DNA methylation and small noncoding RNA profiling.
Cell Culture & Gene Editing: Cultivate and maintain cell cultures and co-cultures for validation experiments.
Apply flow cytometry, siRNA transcription factor knockdown, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to study gene function and pathways.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze complex datasets involving gene expression (bulk and single-cell), protein expression, and cellular interactions using bioinformatics tools.
Develop and optimize experimental protocols to improve data quality and reproducibility.
Collaboration and Mentoring: Collaborate with other researchers within the Surgical Sciences Division and across departments.
Mentor graduate students, postdocs, and technical staff in experimental techniques and research methodologies.
Research Dissemination: Present findings at internal meetings, external conferences, and seminars.
Write and contribute to manuscripts for publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
Grant Writing: Write and submit competitive grant proposals to secure independent research funding.
Actively seek funding from national and international agencies to support research projects.