Research Technologist I - Ma Lab

Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Position Summary

Performs laboratory assays and complex experiments to elucidate novel research questions.

The Ma Lab studies integrin signaling in blood cells. Integrin family receptors deliver bidirectional signaling (inside-out and outside-in) across the cell plasma membrane, modulating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and other functions. Integrin signaling involves a series of molecular events within cells that enable integrins to bridge the crosstalk between the extracellular milieu and cytoskeletal changes, as well as cytoplasmic signaling cascades. Integrin activation is tightly regulated by integrin cytoplasmic tail binding proteins (ICBPs). The interaction between integrins and ICBPs defines the activation states and functional activities of integrins. Dysfunction of integrin signaling often leads to integrin-associated pathological conditions, including inflammatory defects and bleeding disorders. The long-term goal of our research is to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms regulating integrin signaling and to explore novel and safer therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating integrin-associated diseases, such as inflammation and thrombosis.

The ongoing research in our laboratory focuses on Kindlin-3, an essential integrin signaling adaptor molecule and one of the key ICBPs expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin. Kindlin-3 plays a critical role in supporting integrin signaling in blood cells. Kindlin-3 deficiency causes type-III leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD-III) in humans, characterized by severe bleeding disorders and recurrent infections. Specifically, we are investigating the novel role of Kindlin-3 in platelets and myeloid cells in modulating immunothrombosis under various pathological conditions, including deep vein thrombosis and endotoxemia. Our experimental approaches range from biochemical and cellular analyses to small animal models. Our study may facilitate the development of more specific and safer strategies for treating immunothrombotic complications across a wide range of diseases.

Total Rewards Package

BenefitsVersiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

Responsibilities

• Works with Principal Investigator to plan, structure, and execute research experiments.
• Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools
• Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan
• Generates clear and complete records of experimental work
• Participates in publication of research results
• Performs other duties as required or assigned to technically support scientific projects in the lab and other tasks that are assigned by Principal Investigator
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry or equivalent scientific discipline required

Experience

• 1-3 years relevant laboratory experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of theoretical basis of work being performed preferred
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision required
• Proficient in research laboratory techniques required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability required
• Ability to accurately carry out experiments and tasks by following established guidelines required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks required
• Effective organizational and communication skills required

Tools and Technology

• Personal computer required
• Specialized research equipment preferred

#LI-EH1

#VBRI