Post-Doctoral Fellow - Microbiology and Immunology

1.) Under the direction of the PI, design and carry out mouse-based immunology and neurobiology experiments. 

• →Analysis of immune cell populations and cytokine levels in the skin, lymph nodes, and lungs by FACS, ELISA, and IHC
• →Purification of tissue-resident cells by FACS and preparation for scRNA-seq analysis
• →Skin and lung tissue preparation for spatial transcriptomics
• →Evaluation of helminth larvae, adults, and eggs (Schistosoma mansoni and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis) in the skin, lungs, intestine, liver, and portal vein
• →Functional analysis of T cells (proliferation, cytokine secretion, surface markers, cytotoxicity).
• →Evaluation of neuron populations in DRG, SC, and skin
• →Monitoring mouse itch and pain behavior

2.) Laboratory maintenance

• →Help with maintenance of the lab’s mouse colony and genotyping through PCR
• →Learning and training new lab members in mouse dissection and other basic skills
• →Be responsible for monitoring and reporting lab safety issues
• →Help maintain lab cleanliness and ordering of reagents and supplies as needed

3.) Maintaining proper records

• →Diligently keep a laboratory notebook of all experiments
• →Management and record of data sets
• →Track use of key reagents

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, preferably with experience in immunology, parasitology, or neuroscience.
• Familiarity with FACS, IHC, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and transcriptomic analysis.
• Basic lab skills such as pipetting, making solutions, lab safety.
• Computer skills including data management, word processing, Excel, etc.
• A demonstrated proficiency in keeping detailed notes, files, and records organized
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively multitask 
• A strong, diligent work ethic and excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Spectral flow cytometry such as Cytek Aurora and FACS analysis programs such as FlowJo or OMIQ
• Experience with cryosection, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy
• Experience in mouse models of helminth parasite infection
• Experience with analysis of transcriptomics data (RNAseq, scRNAseq, and spatial transcriptomics)
• Experience with molecular biology (e.g., plasmid preparation, Western blot, PCR, qPCR)
• Experience in working with mice, maintaining a mouse colony, breeding, and tissue collection

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