Associate Research Scientist | Immunology

Paust Lab

Farmington, CT

Research in Dr. Paust's laboratory seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NK cell mediated adaptive immune responses in murine and human NK cells, and the development of novel anti-vial vaccines that target NK cell-mediated effector functions. Specifically, we seek to (i) understand NK cell responses and their contributions to host protection from acute and chronic viral infections, and in response to malignancy, (ii) develop and test novel vaccines and therapeutic approaches that elicit potent NK cell-mediated effector functions and immune memory, (iii) develop and evaluate NK cell-based immunotherapies to treat chronic viral infection or solid tumors, and (iv) to identify the molecular mechanism(s) of immunological memory in murine and human NK cells. To facilitate this research, the laboratory uses molecular and biochemical approaches to study NK cell biology in murine and humanized mouse models of disease, such as human immune system mice or patient derived xenograft tumor bearing mice, and in clinical samples.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently, as well as in a team environment, pay close attention to detail and adhere to deadlines regularly. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. They will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner, and possess excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. The ability to take direction and use independent judgment to meet experimental goals and deadlines is required. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, undertaking, and analyzing information from controlled laboratory-based investigations. They must be able to independently develop experimental protocols and approaches to troubleshooting experimental protocols, and perform advanced planning of experiment setups, data collection, and results for analysis. Additionally, the successful candidate will oversee research activities in the Paust laboratory and assist with the mentoring of students, post-docs, and technicians. A strong commitment to experimental goals, career goals, and deadlines, and mentoring experience is required. Willingness to work into the evening and occasional weekend work is also required. A minimum of five years of post-doctoral experience, a strong publication record, scientific writing and mentoring experience is required for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics, or a related life science field, or a DVM or a related degree, plus 5 years of postdoctoral experience
• A strong post-doctoral publication record is required
• Experience with mouse tumor models
• Advanced experience with cell based in vitro and in vivo assays
• Standard molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and cell biology techniques: Sterile tissue culture, CRISPR, lentiviral expression systems, cloning, protein expression, western blotting, PCR, qPCR, IHC, microscopy
• Experience with multiparameter/digital flow cytometry, cell sorting, and flow cytometry data analysis
• Experience with omics sample preparation (scRNAseq, scATACseq)
• Computer skills (word, excel, power point)
• English proficiency and experience with scientific writing (manuscripts, grants)
• Mentoring experience strongly preferred
• Successful grant writing experience strongly preferred

Positions require successful completion of required training courses, i.e. animal use, BL-2 safety, and general lab and chemical safety training.

Education Required: Doctorate Degree
Education Preferred: Doctorate Degree
Experience Required: 5 years
Experience Preferred: 5 years

Pay Range: $59,429 - $77,258

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visitwww.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.