Researcher I or II

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

10d•$47,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a key member of an immunology research team focused on investigating the biology and function of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and leveraging their unique properties to develop novel immunotherapies. The role supports research efforts within the Gumperz lab and contributes to collaborative projects examining Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) pathogenesis and the development of immune‑resistant cells for pancreatic islet transplantation. The successful candidate will participate in the design and execution of rigorous laboratory experiments, contribute to data analysis and interpretation, and support day‑to‑day research activities. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of experimental design principles, and enthusiasm for hands‑on research and mentoring undergraduate trainees in a collaborative laboratory environment. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location. This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years. Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles Researcher I and Researcher II. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist. This vacancy is being announced simultaneously with job posting JR10007843; please note that only one vacancy exists. Having two position vacancy listings allows the School of Medicine and Public Health to consider candidates with a variety of experience and qualifications.

Requirements

Researcher I: At least 6 years hands-on laboratory research experience in immunology or a related biological science discipline
Experience isolating, culturing, and analyzing primary human immune cells (T cells and/or NK cells required; experience with monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells a plus)
Proficiency performing common immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, ELISpot, cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation)
Experience working with murine models, including basic in vivo procedures and support of mouse colony maintenance (breeding, genotyping, husbandry)
Experience analyzing flow cytometry data using FlowJo or similar software
Researcher II: At least 6 years hands‑on laboratory research experience in immunology or a related biological science, with the ability to independently execute experimental workflows
Experience isolating, culturing, and analyzing primary human immune cells, including T cells and/or NK cells (experience with monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells beneficial)
Proficiency in performing a range of immunoassays, such as ELISA, ELISpot, cytotoxicity assays, and lymphocyte proliferation assays, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize assays as needed
Experience working with murine models, including performing routine in vivo procedures and independently supporting mouse colony management (breeding, genotyping, and husbandry)
Experience conducting and interpreting flow cytometry experiments, including data analysis using FlowJo or similar software

Nice To Haves

Researcher I Preferred Qualifications: Experience isolating and culturing primary human tumor cells or tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including work with tumor spheroid/organoid cultures
Experience supporting in vitro assays to evaluate anti‑tumor immune responses and familiarity with xenograft mouse models involving human tumor or immune cells
Experience with histology, fluorescence microscopy, and/or live‑cell imaging systems (e.g., IncuCyte)
Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as real‑time PCR (qPCR) and transcriptomic/genomic analyses (e.g., RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, ChIP‑seq)
Experience with protein analysis techniques, including immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
Researcher II Preferred Qualifications: Experience designing, optimizing, or troubleshooting assays involving primary human immune cells or related cellular models
Experience isolating and culturing primary human tumor cells or tumor‑infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including work with spheroid or organoid cultures
Experience conducting in vitro assays to evaluate anti‑tumor immune responses
Experience working with xenograft mouse models involving human tumor tissue or immune cells
Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as real‑time PCR (qPCR) and transcriptomic/genomic methods (e.g., RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, ChIP‑seq)
Experience with protein analysis techniques, including immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
Demonstrated ability to independently analyze data, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to experimental planning
Strong organizational skills and experience coordinating research activities within a team environment

Responsibilities

Isolate and culture primary mammalian cells, and other cell lines to support laboratory experiments and collaborative efforts; generate preparations of antigens; generate stocks of purified and/or labeled monoclonal antibodies, recombinant fusion proteins, and other 'in-house' laboratory reagents.
Troubleshoot and solve problems related to research techniques and protocols used in the lab.
Carry out duties related to maintenance of mice for experimental use, including management/oversight of ordering, breeding, and experimental colonies.
Supervise undergraduate student hourly workers and mentor undergraduates performing independent research projects in the lab.
Conduct independent laboratory research under the guidance of the PI.
Carry out duties related to laboratory management (e.g. oversight and ordering of supplies, maintenance of equipment and laboratory stocks, coordination of scheduling related to use of equipment and lab space, training others on use of equipment as needed).
Assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding