JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Fellow to Study HIV infection in Humanized Mice
Job Code:
Salary Plan: NIH funding
Lab: Allen
Direct Supervisor: Todd Allen
Employing Hospital and Department:
Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: MD, PhD, MD/PhD
Years experience required: 0 – 2 years experience
Summary:
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston
has an opening in the Allen laboratory (http://www.ragoninstitute.org/portfolio-item/allen-lab/)
for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study HIV infection and immune system
development in a newly developed humanized mouse model. This NIH funded position requires
an M.D. or Ph.D. with a background in immunology and/or infectious diseases. Research will
focus on characterizing cellular and humoral immunity in humanized BLT mice, viral
transmission and quasispecies dynamics, and will test the efficacy of contemporary and novel
vaccines to HIV. Efforts will include the analysis of cellular immunity using ELISPOT, ICS, and
proliferation assays, and conducting vaccine trials in humanized mice. Candidates will conduct
bench and tissue culture experiments, interpret results as they relate to the biology of HIV
infection, coordinate analyses with collaborators and communicate results to the scientific
community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Goals are to define
the successful components of an effective HIV vaccine and advance development of an effective
humanized mouse model to study HIV. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an
exceptionally energetic research setting.
Job Duties:
Under the direction of the principal investigator and/or a research fellow, the applicant
independently carries out daily activities of the laboratory.






Performs assays utilizing standard techniques (ELISPOT, flow cytometry, ELISA, histology,
DNA/RNA extraction, standard and quantitative PCR, site-directed mutagenesis)
Cell/tissue processing, culture and maintenance
Ensures quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components
Detailed documentation of the experimental work
Writing of manuscripts and contribution to grant preparation
Handling of mice is not required
Qualifications:





A Ph.D. or M.D. with relevant experience in immunology, virology and/or infectious
diseases.
Candidates must be highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic
team environment.
Good organizational and documentation skills and excellent attention to detail
Ability to perform as a team member
Must have good interpersonal skills