Research Scientist II

Seattle Children's Hospital•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Joag Lab studies tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells (Trm) in airways, lungs, and other mucosal tissues, including how these cells change from childhood to adulthood and affect protection against respiratory infections. The lab also investigates how T cells may help treatments reach targets in fibrotic diseases. Established in 2025, the lab offers the opportunity to help shape its trajectory and culture. The Research Scientist Level II provides scientific leadership and technical execution for in vivo projects in lung fibrosis and T cell immunity against influenza. Work includes mouse experiments, viral infection models, bleomycin administration, in vivo lung-function testing, tissue extraction and processing, flow cytometric analysis, and bioinformatics analysis. The role also supports experimental design, lab members’ training, and preparation of presentations, manuscripts, and grants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline; a master’s degree may be required for certain lab specialties.
At least two years of experience in a related area or laboratory setting.
Ability to independently perform multiparameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, data analysis, mouse handling, and substance administration by various routes.
Ability to focus during long in vivo mouse experiments, tissue digests, flow cytometry, and complex experimental planning.
Background in immunology, cell and molecular biology, or a related field.
Strong work ethic and commitment to rigorous, reproducible science.
Exceptional attention to detail in experimental design, execution, analysis, and record keeping.
Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive experiments.
Excellent and regular written and verbal communication with the PI and other lab members.
Professional, respectful, and collaborative approach with colleagues at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
Experience with ABSL-2 and BSL-2 work.
Transcriptomic and/or genomic data analysis using R, Python, or related tools.
Advanced immunofluorescence microscopy.
Computational image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji, Python, Imaris, or related tools.
Resilience and a strong commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities

Plan and perform mouse infection experiments with respiratory and other viral pathogens, and administer bleomycin by the oropharyngeal route under ABSL-2 conditions.
Administer substances to mice by multiple routes, including oropharyngeal, intranasal, intravenous (tail vein), and intraperitoneal.
Perform mouse dissections; extract mucosal tissues; collect bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lymph nodes; perform lung perfusion; and conduct lung-function testing using the FlexiVent instrument.
Perform enzymatic and mechanical tissue digestion to generate single-cell suspensions.
Plan and execute single-cell RNA sequencing experiments.
Design, run, and analyze multiparameter flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, compensation, and data analysis using tools such as FlowJo and Prism; perform FACS cell sorting.
Ensure compliance with IACUC protocols, biosafety requirements, and institutional policies.
Maintain detailed, organized online laboratory records and reagent and sample inventories.
Present data at lab meetings and contribute to manuscripts and grant preparation.
Train and support other lab members.
Design experiments in collaboration with the PI.
Maintain a shared work calendar with lab members.