Research Scientist I - Pradhan-Sundd Lab

Versiti•Wauwatosa, WI

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 Develops and elucidates scientific aims, experimental design and execution. A Research Scientist I is equivalent to the Research Assistant Professor position at many universities. The Pradhan-Sundd Lab has research interests in the following areas: The role of hemolysis in sickle cell disease organ injury: Hemolysis is a key characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD) that contributes to the disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. In SCD, cell free hemoglobin and its byproducts (heme and iron) cause vasculopathy as well as a slew of clinical consequences, including liver failure. Although liver injury affects up to ~40% of hospitalized SCD patients, therapeutic approaches to prevent liver injury in SCD are limited. In the Pradhan-Sundd lab we are interested in understanding the molecular (signalling) mechanism of hemolysis induced acute and chronic liver injury. We are also investigating the processes of hepatic hemoglobin, heme, and iron clearance in SCD. Sinusoidal endothelium driven liver directed gene therapy in hemophilia: Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by the absence of coagulation factor- VIII (FVIII). Individuals who are affected are at risk of spontaneous bleeding into joints which can be life threatening. Recent advances in liver-directed gene transfer suggest that gene therapy can successfully treat hemophilia A. FVIII is produced in the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Thus, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell viability and functioning are important for successful liver directed gene transfer in Hemophilia. We have recently shown liver sinusoidal endothelial maladaptive structural changes in FVIII-deficient mice and their deleterious impact on the efficacy of liver-directed gene transfer. Abnormal endothelial function was recently recognized in patients with hemophilia A. Our current research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the loss of endothelial fenestration in individuals with FVIII deficiency, and how this loss impacts liver-directed gene therapy in patients with hemophilia.

Requirements

PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in related scientific area required
1-3 years postdoctoral experience 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 tests and procedures required in the scientific field. required
Exceptional organizational, communication and problem solving skills. required
Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines. required
Ability to supervise, coordinate and plan the work of several individuals involved in a project. required

Responsibilities

With direction from PI, assists in designing goal-oriented, hypothesis driven research program(s)
Takes advantage of opportunities to apply for local or national grants as applicable to fund relevant research
Experimental work and data analyses
Maintains an active scientific publication and presentation record based on individual and PI's research. Minimum of one high impact in addition to multiple publications.
Provides direction and/or supervise research technologists, pre- and postdoctoral trainees.
Actively contributes to the scientific community in the Blood Research Institute
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures