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 in the newly developed humanized mouse model This NIH funded position requires an M.D. or Ph.D. with a background in infectious diseases and/or immunology. Research will focus on characterizing cellular immunity in humanized BLT mice, viral transmission and quasispecies dynamics, and test the efficacy of contemporary and novel vaccines to HIV. Efforts will include the analysis of cellular immunity using ELISPOT, ICS, and proliferation assays, the analysis of viral sequence evolution using next generation sequencing technologies such as 454, and conducting vaccine trials in humanized mice. Candidates will implement commercially available and in-house assays and software tools; interpret results as they relate to the biology of HIV infection; contribute to the design and maintenance of clinical, immunology and virology databases; 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 our understanding of HIV transmission. 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.
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Performs assays utilizing standard techniques (antibody staining, flow cytometry, ELISA,
DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, standard and quantitative PCR, site-directed mutagenesis)
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Conventional and next-generation sequencing
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Cell/tissue processing, culture and maintenance
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Ensures quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components
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Detailed documentation of the experimental work
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Handling of mice is not required
Qualifications:

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A Ph.D. or M.D. with relevant experience in infectious diseases, virology, immunology, or evolutionary biology.
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Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience in the immunology or virology of infectious diseases.
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Candidates must be highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment.
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Good organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
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Excellent documentation skills
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Ability to perform as a team member
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Must have good interpersonal skills