Postdoctoral Fellow - Wen Lab - Immunology

Versiti, Inc. • Wauwatosa, WI

20h

About The Position

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.
VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.
Position Summary
Under the direction of a Principal Investigator, further develops and expands understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. Incumbent also learns and applies scientific laboratory techniques and gains experience in other areas of research that will lead to increased probability of success as an independent scientist. This is a training position with an expected duration of 1 – 3 years.
The Wen Lab has two different, but interconnected research focuses. One focus of the Wen lab is aimed at understanding the signaling pathways that govern proper B and T cell activation and communications and how aberrant signaling in T and B cells will lead to human diseases. The lab has studied the mechanisms by which molecules in antigen receptor signaling pathways such as: phospholipase C gamma (PLCg), B-cell lymphoma 10 (Bcl10), and molecules in cytokine signaling pathways, including Grb2-associated binding (Gab) proteins, control and modulate T and B cell development and activation and how aberrant functions of these molecules lead to lymphopenia and autoimmunity.
Another major focus of the Wen lab is understanding the interplay between immune systems and coagulation systems in healthy and disease states. Currently, the lab is studying how antibodies regulate the function of platelets and other cells involved in the coagulation system and the prevalence, ontogeny, and activation of the host B cells that make such antibodies in healthy people and patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT) and COVID-19. Studies will be performed in both human and mouse systems using techniques of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics with the goal of understanding the molecular pathogenesis underlying antibody mediated thrombotic complications in HIT and COVID-19 and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for these conditions.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree required
• 0 – 6 years of postdoctoral training required
• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the structure and execution of research experiments. required
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed. required
• Ability to perform research procedures independently. required
• Immediate proficiency in basic and sophisticated experimental tests and procedures. required
• Exceptional organizational skills. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Excellent problem solving skills. required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines. required
• Computer literate with an emphasis on graphics, graphing, data management, and statistical applications required
• Specialized research equipment required
• Personal computer required

Responsibilities

• Works with Principal Investigator to develop a research project.
• Executes laboratory experiments specific to aims of research.
• Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan.
• Provides direction to Technologists and Trainees.
• Generates clear and complete records of experimental work.
• Communicates results of research at meetings.
• Participates in publication and presentation of research.
• Adheres to BCW, Bio-safety, NRC, OSHA procedures and regulations.
• Attends required laboratory meetings.
• Maintains currency with information relative to the field of research being performed.
• Serves as a resource for techniques, information, instrumentation, interpretation of data, etc. for laboratory personnel
• May be expected to help direct the work of Research Technologists.
• Operates, calibrates and performs routine maintenance on specialized research equipment.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, media or stains necessary for experimental procedures.
• May maintain or oversee maintenance of inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• May prepare and/or authorize requisitions for ordering supplies and equipment.
• Performs other laboratory duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Benefits

• Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification.
• Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree