The Williams Lab in the Center for Immunology, Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, is seeking a self-motivated and highly qualified postdoctoral associate to join our team. Our research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which monocytes and macrophages contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease progression. The successful candidate will lead a cutting-edge research project leveraging murine models of cardiovascular disease, advanced immunologic approaches, and innovative imaging techniques to identify and validate new mechanisms of disease. 

The Postdoctoral Associate will perform independent and collaborative research, exploring molecular mechanisms of monocytes and macrophages in the regulation of atherosclerosis. The position involves the design and implementation of rigorous experiments using murine models, loss- and gain-of-function studies, and incorporation of transcriptomic analysis. The ideal candidate will have expertise in cardiovascular disease models and immunologic techniques, including flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and cell culture. They will also participate in general laboratory activities, such as presenting in lab meetings, attending conferences, and participating in mentoring new lab members including technical staff, undergraduates, and graduate students. This position will work closely with the PI.

This is a full-time, in-person position, requiring a strong commitment to research excellence. 

Responsibilities Include:

Research- 80%
⢠Conduct animal researchâ”including, but not limited to mouse handling, metabolic phenotyping, body composition, food intake, and sacrificing
⢠Inject various compounds and solutions into experimental animals (ip, iv, sc, gavage)
⢠Collect tissue and fluid samples from experimental animals; store and analyze the tissue (e.g., histology, cytokine assays, flow cytometry, etc)
⢠Perform sterile cell culture and related assays (lipid loading, cell proliferation, survival, efferocytosis, etc)
⢠Prepare buffers, reagents, and other solutions
⢠Keep meticulously detailed records of all experiments and procedures in a laboratory notebook; perform statistical analyses of data obtained from experiments and render interpretations of the data

Writing and Literature Review - 10%
⢠Stay current with relevant scientific literature and provide regular updates to the PI
⢠Independently write study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) manuscripts
⢠Assist the PI in the outline, design, and writing of grant applications and fellowships

Presenting and Instruction - 10%
⢠Present research summaries at lab meeting, present in multi-lab journal club, and attend/participate in departmental and center seminar series
⢠Mentor trainees and staff in proper laboratory methods and procedures
⢠Represent that lab through oral and poster format presentations at scientific meetings
 

Required Qualifications:
⢠A PhD in immunology, physiology, pathology, or other related biomedical field (received in last 2 years)
⢠A strong publication record, including high-quality first-author publications of original research in peer-reviewed journals
⢠Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team, and mentor junior researchers and technical staff
⢠Knowledge of the basic principles of biological science, with competency in mathematics and statistics for data analysis
⢠Proficiency and independence in designing well-controlled and ethical experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results

Preferred Qualifications:
⢠Experience in grant writing and obtaining research funding
⢠Experience studying innate immune cells and related animal models
⢠Advanced technical skills in high-parameter spectral flow cytometry, fluorescence confocal microscopy, 2-photon microscopy, and bioinformatics
⢠Familiarity with analysis software: Graphpad, Imaris, flowjo, Leica X, and Adobe Illustrator

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