Post-Doctoral Researcher in Immunology/Autoimmunity

We are seeking a highly motivated individual for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Division of Innate Immunity at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. The laboratory of Dr. Stefania Gallucci focuses on the biology of dendritic cells as initiators of the immune response and their role in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune disease Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have made important contributions in the role of innate cytokines, immunometabolism in dendritic cell activation and cross-priming (J Leukoc Biol. 2019 PMID: 31216373; Front Immunol. 2019 PMID: 30761126; Oncoimmunology. 2020 PMID: 33457079; J Immunol. 2016 PMID: 27233962), and in the acceleration of lupus autoimmunity by bacterial danger signals (Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020 PMID: 32840064; Immunity. 2015 PMID: 26084027).

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work on an exciting project studying the immune response to bacterial biofilms and the role of bacterial biofilms in stimulating autoimmunity in murine models of the autoimmune disease lupus.  The person filling this position is expected to play an important intellectual, technical, and scientific role. The responsibilities of the post-doctoral fellow are to design and perform experiments, including in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular analyses of the response of dendritic cells to PAMPs and DAMPs, and in vivo analyses of innate immune responses in disease models of lupus autoimmunity. The candidate will be mentored by the PI and other outstanding scientists in the Program of Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases. The post-doctoral fellow is expected to analyze and present data in lab meetings, departmental research-in-progress seminars, and national and international conferences, and to prepare manuscripts under guidance of the PI.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a M.D., or Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biological sciences. Experience in immunology, microbiology and murine models of immune responses are preferred. 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, writing, and collaboration skills are essential. This position works in a laboratory and vivarium environment. Applicants should send a letter via email briefly describing their current and past research activities, their long-term professional goals and their interest in this position, a CV that includes the publications, and contact information for three references, including the Ph.D. supervisor, to stefania.gallucci@umassmed.edu .

Environment

The lab is in a great academic environment that fosters learning, independence and motivation to pursuit a career in Science. UMass Chan School of Medicine is a vibrant scientific community committed to advance the health and wellness of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the world by leading and innovating in research, education, health care delivery and public service.