Research Investigator - The Immunomodulation & Translational Research Program

Research Investigator-The Immunomodulation & Translational Research

Job Description

The Immunomodulation and Translational Research Program in Department of Child Health, University of Missouri focuses on the development of novel biologics and their targeted delivery by various means, including biomaterials, for localized immunomodulation to prevent type 1 diabetes and allograft rejection (hematopoietic stem cells, stem cell-derived beta cells, pancreatic islets, heart, and kidney grafts) in rodents. The primary duties include: i) transplantation of pancreatic islets, heart, and kidney grafts in rodents; ii) various surgical manipulations of rodents, such as injections, blood and tissue collection; iii) cellular immunology (assessing antigen-driven T cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, immune monitoring using flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine, ELISA); iv) immunohistochemistry; v) organize and analyze data for manuscripts and grant submissions as well ss oral presentations at local, national, and international meetings; vi) keep detailed record of experimental results; vii) assist with maintenance of regulatory requirements to conduct research, such as establish and maintain data files to ensure completion of all Institutional Animal Care/ Biosafety and Use documentation and compliance; and viii) responsible for the administrative management of the Research Animal Core Facilities within the unit.

Duties for this Position include:

i) develop, execute, and evaluate experiments assessing immunomodulatory efficacy of select biologics for the prevention of type 1 diabetes using the NOD model; ii) pancreatic islet isolation, characterization, and transplantation, iii) analyze and organize data for detailed record-keeping, grant and manuscript submissions as well as oral presentations at local, national, and international meetings; iv) contribute to ongoing research by active participation in lab discussions and training graduate students and technical personnel for desired techniques as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Design and conduct studies that use novel biologics to modulate the immune response as a means of preventing rejection of cell (hematopoietic stem cells), tissues (pancreatic islets), and solid organs (heart and preferably kidney). The research will involve the design of biologics-based treatment regimens, transplantation of pancreatic islets heart or kidney grafts, immune monitoring using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. 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

This position requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in microsurgery, particularly solid organs in rodents, and basic laboratory experience. Although candidates with Ph.D., M.D., or D.V.M. are preferable, those with an undergraduate degree and demonstrated track record in rodent solid organ transplantation will also be considered. Effective oral and written and interpersonal communications skills as well as proficiency in word, excel, powerpoint, and statistical software.

Preferred:

Expertise in heart or kidney transplantation, islet isolation, functional characterization and transplantation, cell culture, multiparameter flow cytometry, and basic molecular immunology techniques. Handling mice and performing various manipulations, including injections via different routes, harvesting lymphoid tissues, and blood.

Employees of the University of Missouri and University of Missouri Healthcare are eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Community

Columbia is rated by Forbes magazine as the fifth best small city for business and careers in America and is consistently rated a top place to live by Money Magazine, boasting a low cost of living, a vibrant community, and nationally renowned public schools. Columbia is an ideal college town that combines small-town comforts, and community spirit, with big-city culture, activities, and resources. Our community is energetic and engaged, packed with restaurants and entertainment venues, and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefit 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 U.M. System Total Rewards Benefits

Our Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.

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.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager at 573-884-7278.

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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.