Scientist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Engin Lab in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry is looking for a Scientist to contribute to our focus in understanding the mechanism of type 1 diabetes. The Engin Laboratory is focused on understanding how cellular stress response and organelle dysfunction plays a role in beta cell physiology and pathology. Current projects involve studying molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in pancreatic beta cells in autoimmune diabetes, ER-mitochondria communication, cellular senescence and the crosstalk between stressed beta cells and immune cells. The work involves working with the beta cell or immune cell-specific mouse models of the stress response genes and mechanistic studies using cell culture (primary mouse and human islets), biochemical and immunological assays. The Engin Lab offers training on grant writing, supports lab members to attend national meetings and disseminate their science. Candidate will be expected to: Design and conduct experimental work using state of the art technologies, both in vitro and in vivo. Perform data analysis and interpretation of results as required. Participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations. Write technical documents for fellowships and grants and craft manuscripts for publication. Present data in group meetings, seminars and conferences. Assist with training of junior scientists, students and technicians in the lab Contribute to shared lab duties.

Requirements

Molecular biology, RNA, protein work and cloning
At least three years of experience with mammalian cell culture.
Gene manipulation including adeno or lentiviral transduction, siRNA or CRISPR-mediated knockdown.
Flow cytometry (complex panel with more than 8 colors)
Confocal imaging of cells and tissues.
Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience, with no more than 15 years of post-PhD research experience.
Experience in mammalian cell culture and genetic manipulation techniques, including gene overexpression (adenoviral, lentiviral, or retroviral systems) and gene silencing (siRNA/shRNA and/or CRISPR-based approaches).
Hands-on experience with cloning and core molecular biology methods, including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting.
Experience with advanced imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy, and high-level image analysis and quantification.
Track record of scholarly productivity, including at least 2–3 first-author publications in high-profile peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating significant and impactful research contributions.
Ph.D. is required; focus in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, or related field.

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge of cell stress or senescence
Experience working with mouse models of disease, including drug administration, metabolic phenotyping, and tissue collection.
Strongly preferred: background in the isolation, culture, and functional studies of human (and/or mouse) islets.
Strongly preferred: expertise in immunology—particularly T cell and macrophage biology—with proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry (including complex panel design) and data analysis.
Strongly preferred: expertise in mitochondrial or lysosome biology.
Research focus in areas such as cellular stress responses, senescence, cell biology, and immunology.
Experience with grant writing.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct experimental work using state of the art technologies, both in vitro and in vivo.
Perform data analysis and interpretation of results as required.
Participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations.
Write technical documents for fellowships and grants and craft manuscripts for publication.
Present data in group meetings, seminars and conferences.
Assist with training of junior scientists, students and technicians in the lab
Contribute to shared lab duties
Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area