SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Pathology Department at the University of Massachusetts Medical School specifically focuses on immunology and immunopathology research, with the purpose of uncovering cellular mechanisms that drive disease. The laboratory team led by Dr. Kiera Clayton is currently looking to fill the position of Research Associate Immunologist. Research interests include the characterization of human NK cells responses to HIV-infected macrophages, defining survival signatures in HIV-infected macrophages, and delineating pathways involved in perforin/granzyme resistance with the ultimate goal of designing therapies to eliminate HIV-infected macrophages. The ideal candidate would have a background in immunology, virology, and biochemistry, an interest in a career in medical sciences, and experience working in an immunology-focused lab. Technical skills in processing of human samples, flow cytometry, production of HIV virus, imaging flow cytometry, CRISPR editing of macrophages, and western blotting are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Executing protocols of routine and non-routine experiments
• Perform basic design and modification of protocols
• Maintaining an electronic laboratory notebook
• Calculate, transcribe and analyze data
• Weekly presentations of data at laboratory meetings
• Independent literature searches
• Assisting with organizing materials for conference presentations, grant applications and primary research publications
• Maintaining and ordering supplies
• Training of junior technicians

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Ability to perform multiple tasks independently
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Working knowledge of data management programs (FlowJo, Excel, Prism, IDEAS, SnapGene)
• Introductory level bioinformatics training (Python)
• Processing of human samples, including biohazardous samples from HIV-infected individuals
• Flow cytometry – sample preparation, compensation, and data acquisition
• Production of high-titer HIV virus
• Primary cell infection assays, with HIV virus
• Co-culture assays using primary cells and viruses including HIV
• Imaging Flow Cytometry, including with HIV-infected cells
• Molecular cloning
• CRSIPR editing of human macrophages
• Western blotting