Postbaccalaureate Research Opportunities To Promote Equity In Learning In The Northwest (PROPEL NW)
Job opportunities
Parasitic worms (helminths), allergens, and certain protists all induce a “type 2” immune response that causes increased mucus production (runny nose), smooth muscle hypercontractility (coughing & sneezing), and other changes in tissue function. Why the immune system treats all of these triggers the same way remains unclear. To address this and other questions, research in the Moltke labs focuses on the initiation and regulation of type 2 immunity. Currently, the lab focuses on specialized cells in the intestinal lining called tuft cells that detect the presence of worms in the intestine using the same proteins that taste buds use to detect food. Our findings should inform the development of improved therapies for asthma, allergy, and related disorders.
The lab has an opportunity for a motivated Research Scientist/Engineer 1 who will help assist lab members with experiments and help manage day-to-day operations of the lab. He/she will perform a variety of tasks to support research in the lab, including maintenance of a mouse colony and helminth stocks. The Research Scientist/Engineer is expected to use established systems/approaches to solve well-defined problems with a limited number of variables and few complex features. The Research Scientist/Engineer will also conduct experiments and tests in the immunology field that include making measurements and recording data. He/she will work under limited supervision, contribute data for use in reports and publications, and is expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and events. The successful candidate will translate clear expectations regarding time management and task prioritization into efficient support for the research team.
Tasks and experimental techniques to be performed will include:
Maintain a breeding colony of mice under specific-pathogen-free conditions, including animal husbandry, weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, and updating the mouse census
Basic molecular biology, including PCR, DNA preparation and cloning
Maintain laboratory stocks of worms (helminths)
Prepare laboratory reagents
Multicolor flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy
Perform experimental procedures on mice, including bleeding and cell and tissue isolation
Organize and analyze research data
Participate in laboratory meetings
Guide the work of undergraduate employees
Perform related duties as required
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, or related field. Excellent organizational, computational and record keeping skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently but within a team environment, and willingness to work with laboratory mice. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Up to one year’s experience in a related area; some or all may be in relevant educational programs.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with laboratory mice, molecular biology, immunology, and/or tissue culture.
Salary range: $4,276 – $7,765 per month
UW Hires Req: TBA
Parasitic worms (helminths) and allergens induce a “type 2” immune response that causes increased mucus production (runny nose), smooth muscle hypercontractility (coughing & sneezing), and other changes in tissue function. Research in the Tait Wojno lab focuses on critical pathways that promote and shut down type 2 immunity. In particular, the Tait Wojno laboratory studies how rare innate immune cells and epithelial cells coordinate to orchestrate inflammation. There are numerous outstanding questions in this field as regards how these cell-cell interactions play out in mucosal and barrier tissues that have the potential to rewrite our understanding of tissue-specific inlfammatory responses. Our findings should inform the development of improved therapies for asthma, allergy, and related disorders.
The lab has an opportunity for a motivated postbac researcher who will help manage the day-to-day operation of the lab and carry on independent research. They will perform a variety of tasks to support research in the lab. The postbac scholar will also conduct experiments in the mucosal immunology field and will be expected to build skills necessary for driving an independent research project. They will be fully supported in learning techniques and skills appropriate for this lab by senior lab members and Dr. Tait Wojno. They will be expected to participate in regular laboratory meetings and events. The successful candidate will translate clear expectations regarding time management and task prioritization into efficient support for a growing research team.
The Tait Wojno lab is an exciting and dynamic research group, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, communication, and building an inclusive work environment. Each scholar is provided with opportunities to thrive and develop their own skills and goals, in a supportive framework that fosters growth toward independence.
Tasks and experimental techniques to be performed will include:
Basic molecular biology, including PCR, DNA preparation and cloning
Multicolor flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy
Maintain laboratory stocks of worms (helminths)
Perform experimental procedures on mice, including bleeding and cell and tissue isolation
Organize and analyze research data
Prepare laboratory reagents
Maintain a breeding colony of mice under specific-pathogen-free conditions, including animal husbandry, weaning, ear tagging, genotyping, and updating the mouse census
Inventory, order, and restock laboratory supplies
Participate in laboratory meetings
Guide the work of undergraduate employees
Perform related duties as required
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or related field AND one year of experience in a related area OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with molecular biology, immunology, handling of experimental rodents, and/or tissue culture.
Salary: $3,887 – $4,276/month
UW Hires Req: TBA