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Position Summary

A Research Associate (Post-Doc) position is available in the joint laboratory of Drs. James Pestka and Andrew Olive in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University. The underlying premise for this work is that while the genome is a primary predisposing factor for autoimmunity, cumulative exposures to environmental factors such as toxic stressors and diet greatly impact latency and severity of lupus and other autoimmune diseases.  Drs. Pestka and  Olive in collaboration with Dr. Jack Harkema (https://cvm.msu.edu/directory/harkema ), employ both novel murine fetal liver-derived self-replicating ex vivo alveolar macrophage model (https://doi.org/10.4049/immunohorizons.2200011 ) and an autoimmune experimental mouse model (https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623319878398 ) to examine silica-triggered autoimmunity with respect to 1) how dysregulation of inflammasome activation, cell death, efferocytosis self-antigen release occurs in alveolar macrophages of lupus-prone mice and 2) how these pathways are modulated by omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites. Revealing mechanisms of dietary lipid attenuation against silica-triggered lupus will bring novel insights into how manipulating cellular lipids through diet can be exploited to prevent environmental triggering of human autoimmune disease. Related novel discoveries have been demonstrated in our recent publications (https://academictree.org/microbiology/publications.php?pid=272106 )(https://www.canr.msu.edu/videos/improving-life-for-those-with-lupus ).

Duties will include cell culture, molecular biology and biochemistry, complex in vivo mouse work, assays of immune function, and training of undergraduate and graduate researchers.  Responsibilities include designing/conducting experiments, analyzing data, preparing data for publication and grant submission, as well as presenting at national/international meetings and applying for fellowships/grants.

With over 3100 miles of Great Lake shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, 51,000 miles of rivers, 1300 miles of bike trails, Michigan (http://www.michigan.org) is a four-season wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts.             

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.    Successful applicants will be generously offered with NIH guideline based salary and benefits, in addition to being a member of a superb research team and a collaborative research environment.                                                                                                                               

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD in immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, toxicology, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with training in immunological and molecular biological techniques, macrophage biology, and/or autoimmune animal models are encouraged to apply.  The ideal individual should have strong experimental skills, organizational skills, as well as the ability to interface with multi-disciplinary researchers.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a CV, cover letter, statement of personal objectives, and contact information for three references.

Together-we-will Statement

Review of Applications Begins On

09/20/2022

Summary of Health Risks

Some duties in this position may include working with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://mmg.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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