Postdoctoral Researcher - Transplantation Immunology and Graft-Versus-Host Disease Research

Medical College of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level postdoctoral position (fellow) intended for candidates within 0–2 years of receiving a PhD, MD/PhD, or MD (with relevant prior research experience). The fellow will work under the close mentorship of the Principal Investigator, and in collaboration with other members of the research team with the expectation that independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific writing will grow progressively over the course of the appointment. The laboratory studies the immunology of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) using mouse models, with an emerging effort in mouse and human intestinal organoid systems. The laboratory values honesty, hard work, and teamwork, and is committed to training fellows who go on to do meaningful, impactful science while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Requirements

• PhD in a scientific field or MD
• 0 years of experience
• Mammalian immunology; familiarity with transplantation immunology is preferred.
• Molecular and cellular biology.
• Basic statistics and experimental design.
• Laboratory safety and regulatory compliance (e.g., IACUC, biosafety).
• Scientific writing and documentation.
• Data utilization and record-keeping.
• Rodent handling and procedural technique (animal handling, irradiation, injections).
• Tissue harvest and processing into single-cell suspensions.
• Flow cytometry (surface and intracellular staining) and flow cytometry-based cell sorting.
• Magnetic or column-based cell enrichment.
• Cell culture, including in vitro stimulation and differentiation assays.
• Western blotting.
• PCR, qPCR.
• Tissue processing for histology.
• Proficiency with FlowJo and GraphPad Prism for data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Complex problem solving and critical thinking.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently on well-defined experiments while recognizing when to seek guidance, consistent with an early-career postdoctoral stage.
• Completion of institutional IACUC and biosafety training is required within the onboarding period.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with single-cell RNA sequencing workflows (10X Genomics) is preferred.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, or other multiomic techniques (e.g., CITE-seq) is a plus.
• Familiarity and experience with data analysis using packages in R and/or Python are also valued.
• Familiarity with laboratory management software (e.g., Quartzy, mLIMS) is a plus.
• PhD in immunology, biology, or a related scientific field; doctoral training with a research focus in immunology, hematology, transplantation biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with murine models, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques; prior experience with bone marrow transplantation or GVHD models, organoid culture, or single-cell genomics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out individual experiments within the laboratory's research program in bone marrow transplantation, GVHD immunology, and intestinal organoid systems, applying core animal, cellular, and molecular techniques under the general guidance of the Principal Investigator.
• Troubleshoot experimental protocols and adapt technique to the specific demands of a project, escalating unresolved problems to other lab members or the Principal Investigator as needed.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data, and maintain complete and accurate records of experiments, reagents, and results.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations; with increasing independence over the course of the appointment, take a lead role in drafting manuscripts describing the fellow's own project(s).
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and, as appropriate, scientific conferences.
• Develop and prepare applications for mentored training and career-development awards, both intramural and extramural, with guidance and support from the Principal Investigator.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and journal clubs, and work collaboratively with other members of the research team on shared projects and shared laboratory resources.
• May assist with the day-to-day training of graduate students, technicians, or other trainees on specific techniques in which the fellow has expertise, under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, IACUC, and biosafety requirements applicable to the research.
• Contribute to laboratory operations, including mouse breeding and genotyping, inventory and ordering (Quartzy), mouse colony records (mLIMS), and equipment monitoring (Sonicu).
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental.
• Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

What This Job Offers

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