Assistant Scientist
About The Position
The Assistant Scientist works in Dr. Zhengjie Zhou's laboratory, focusing on lung biology, vascular inflammation, and host-pathogen interactions. Contributes to NIH-funded research projects investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory lung diseases, particularly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The position involves designing and conducting comprehensive in vivo and ex vivo experiments using mouse models of lung injury, performing molecular and cellular analyses, and utilizing advanced techniques including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qPCR, and Western blotting. Isolate and characterize pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells to investigate mechanistic studies of lung barrier dysfunction and tissue repair. Key research projects include investigating AHR signaling in lung inflammation to identify protective versus pathological mechanisms during acute lung injury, and studying vascular-endothelial crosstalk in ARDS to understand how endothelial barrier dysfunction contributes to disease progression. The position also entails data interpretation, manuscript preparation, presenting findings at scientific conferences, and mentoring students and new lab members. This role aims to advance the mechanistic understanding of inflammatory lung injury and identify novel therapeutic targets for ARDS and related respiratory diseases, ultimately contributing to improved treatment strategies for these critical conditions.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field, and 2 years of relevant experience.
- Expertise in Lung Biology and Inflammation: Strong foundational knowledge of lung physiology, vascular biology, inflammatory pathways, and host-pathogen interactions, with a focus on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or related pulmonary diseases.
- Proficiency in Animal Models: Demonstrated experience designing and executing in vivo and ex vivo experiments using mouse models of lung injury, inflammation, or infectious disease.
- Molecular and Cellular Technique Mastery: Flow cytometry for immune cell phenotyping and functional analysis, Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry for tissue localization studies, Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gene expression analysis, Western blotting and protein biochemistry, Primary cell isolation and culture of pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells.
- Histological and Imaging Skills: Competence in tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and microscopic analysis of lung and vascular tissues.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and perform in vivo and ex vivo experiments using murine models of lung injury, inflammation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Conduct comprehensive molecular, cellular, and histological analyses of lung and vascular tissues, including isolation and characterization of pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells for mechanistic studies.
- Utilize advanced laboratory techniques including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Western blotting to evaluate immune responses, barrier integrity, and cellular signaling pathways.
- Actively participate in NIH-funded and lab-initiated projects focused on AHR signaling in lung inflammation and vascular-endothelial crosstalk in ARDS, contributing to hypothesis generation, experimental planning, and result dissemination.
- Assist in maintaining laboratory inventory, equipment calibration, and standard operating procedures to support efficient and reproducible research operations.
- Designing and performing in vivo and ex vivo experiments using mouse models of lung injury and inflammation.
- Conducting molecular, cellular, and histological analyses of lung and vascular tissues.
- Isolating and characterizing pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells for mechanistic studies.
- Utilizing flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qPCR, and Western blotting to analyze immune and barrier responses.
- Interpreting and organizing experimental data for manuscript and figure preparation.
- Drafting and contributing to research publications and progress reports.
- Presenting findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
- Supporting the training and mentorship of students and new lab members.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 9 Federally Observed Paid Holidays
- 3 Personal Days
- Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
- A generous retirement plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
