Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

2d

About The Position

The purpose of this Postdoctoral Fellow Research Associate position is to assist the primary investigator (PI), Dr. Onyinye Iweala with the following: (1) To perform basic and translational scientific research centered on understanding (a) the role of glycolipids and invariant natural killer T cells in development and maintenance of alpha-gal mammalian meat allergy (2) To train and supervise undergraduate, graduate student, and other early stage research assistants and technicians. One of the primary interests of the Iweala Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (https://iwealalab.web.unc.edu/) is understanding the basic mechanisms of pathogenesis behind alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic condition characterized by delayed allergic reactions after the ingestion of mammalian meat. The allergy is driven by the IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses to the sugar galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). The development of alpha-gal specific serum IgE is associated with exposure to certain tick species, including the lone star tick, in the United States. The Iweala Lab is looking for a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in immunology, especially cellular and/or molecular immunology, to help develop and optimize a mouse model of alpha-gal syndrome and to study the role of different T cell subsets, including invariant natural killer T cells, in allergic immune responses to alpha-gal glycolipids and alpha-gal glycoproteins. The successful applicant would work with live tick species to develop an infestation mouse model and then use ex-vivo cell culture and flow cytometry techniques and molecular techniques like RT- PCR , and bulk and single cell RNAseq, to characterize the model and assess the role of different lymphocyte subset in the development of allergic sensitization and allergic symptoms in this model.

Requirements

• Must have completed PhD in Biological Sciences or related field

Nice To Haves

• Previous wet lab experience of more than 2 years
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with mouse / animal models of human disease
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Familiarity with / previous exposure to molecular biology techniques, especially PCR
• Familiarity with / previous exposure to cell culture
• Strong communication skills
• Comfort with working independently as well as working collaboratively
• Honesty and integrity
• Strong work ethic
• Persistence, perseverance
• Experience with chemistry calculations
• Willingness to learn new techniques on the job
• Self-direction, organization, detail-orientation, a willingness to be proactive about seeking help when needed

Responsibilities

• To perform basic and translational scientific research centered on understanding the role of glycolipids and invariant natural killer T cells in development and maintenance of alpha-gal mammalian meat allergy
• To train and supervise undergraduate, graduate student, and other early stage research assistants and technicians.
• Develop and optimize a mouse model of alpha-gal syndrome
• Study the role of different T cell subsets, including invariant natural killer T cells, in allergic immune responses to alpha-gal glycolipids and alpha-gal glycoproteins.
• Work with live tick species to develop an infestation mouse model
• Use ex-vivo cell culture and flow cytometry techniques and molecular techniques like RT- PCR , and bulk and single cell RNAseq, to characterize the model and assess the role of different lymphocyte subset in the development of allergic sensitization and allergic symptoms in this model.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees