Postdoctoral Fellow - Autoimmunity and Transplantation

Job ID : 39881
Location : Columbia
Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Job Description

Job Summary:
The Immunomodulation and Translational Research Program in the Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, is seeking 2 Postdoctoral Fellows to participate in federally-funded several projects developing immunomodulatory approaches with applications to autoimmunity (with focus on type 1 diabetes) and transplantation (islet, stem-cell derived beta cells, and solid organs). The program has developed various novel biologics and targeted delivery biomaterial platforms with demonstrated efficacy for tolerance induction to allogeneic islets for the treatment of diabetes (Immunity 2002; Nature Materials 2018; Biomaterials 2019; Science Advances 2020, Journal of Immunology 2020; American Journal of Transplantation 2020). Duties for this Position include i) develop, execute, and evaluate experiments assessing immunomodulatory efficacy of lead biologics for tolerance induction to auto and alloantigens, ii) analyze and organize data for detailed record keeping, grant and manuscript submissions as well as oral presentations at local, national, and international meetings.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Design and conduct studies that use novel biologics to modulate the immune response as a means of preventing and treating type 1 diabetes using pancreatic islets or stem cell-derived beta cells. These studies require i) generation of humanized mouse models for islet transplantation, ii) monitoring NOD for diabetes development, iii) treating NOD with immunomodulatory regimens to asses preventive and therapeutic efficacy, iv) conducting immune monitoring studies using multiparameter flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and in vitro T cell proliferation. Further duties include, preparation of scientific publications, assistance with grant applications, and provide technical teaching/training support to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians.

Qualifications

Minimum:
Ph.D., M.D. or D.V.M. This position requires a minimum of 3 years of basic laboratory experience and expertise in immunology with focus on autoimmunity, preferably type 1 diabetes, working with rodents, mammalian tissue culture, qRT-PCR, tetramer staining. Effective oral and written and interpersonal communications skills as well as proficiency in word, excel, power point, and statistical software’s. Experience in bioinformatics will be an added advantage.

Preferred:
Expertise in NOD model of type 1 diabetes, islet isolation and functional characterization, cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, and basic molecular immunology techniques. Handling mice and performing various manipulations, including injections via different routes, and end-point tissue harvesting.

Application Materials

Be prepared to upoad a CV.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-4256.

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Vaccination Statement

After careful consideration of COVID-19 virus trends and the overwhelming evidence of COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness, the School of Medicine, along with MU Health Care, the Sinclair School of Nursing and the School of Health Professions, recently announced the decision to require COVID-19 vaccinations by Oct. 1, 2021, for all employees, unless granted a medical or religious exemption.

All new hires will be required to submit proof of vaccination prior to your start date. If you would like to request a medical or religious exemption, you must do so upon acceptance of employment so our team has time to review prior to your scheduled start date. You will not be allowed to begin work until you have submitted proof of vaccination or received an approved medical or religious exemption.

Thank you for helping us to create the safest environment possible for our colleagues, students and our patients by protecting yourself and others through COVID-19 vaccination.

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