Senior Scientist - Pathology & Immunology

Washington University in St. Louis

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The main goal of our research is to better understand the link between the immune and the central nervous systems. We are particularly focused on how CD8 T cells are activated in the central nervous system, and how we can translate this knowledge into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration. Our latest work uncovered an unexpected role of CD8 T cells in a juvenile and slowly progressive form of the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 4 (ALS4), which is caused by a mutation in the gene SETX. We found that clonally expanded CD8 T cells of likely autoimmune origin are progressively activated in the central nervous system (CNS) and blood of patients and mice. In ALS4 mice, clonal expansion of CD8 T cells in the CNS correlates with disease progression. Starting from these original results, our lab will further explore the role of CD8 T cells in the pathogenesis of several forms of ALS, in both humans and mice. Techniques include, but are not limited to, molecular biology and cloning, T cell transduction, flow cytometry, imaging, in vitro and in vivo assays, behavioral tests, and RNA-sequencing. Collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects.

Requirements

• Phd Or Terminal Degree Or Combination Of Education And Experience May Substitute For Minimum Education.
• Postdoctoral (3 Years)

Nice To Haves

• Analytical Problem Solving
• Laboratory Instrumentation
• Laboratory Processes
• Laboratory Techniques
• Oral Communications
• Teamwork
• Working Independently
• Written Communication

Responsibilities

• Collaborates on designing, conducting and reporting of research projects.
• Assists with grant preparation and reporting.
• Prepares and submits papers on research.
• Develops hypotheses to be tested and ways of testing it.
• Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Manages research project with other institutions and investigators.
• Performs other duties as assigned such as managing mouse colonies and laboratory operations

Benefits

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

What This Job Offers

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