Position Description:

Position Summary

Postdoctoral Fellow

A Postdoctoral Research Scholar Position is available to support a basic science project in the laboratory of Dr. Siegfried Janz, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin. The position is being funded by a generous grant from the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation aimed at improving the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and finding a cure for this difficult to treat neoplasm.

The postdoctoral research project is aimed at developing CAR-T cells that target myeloma cells expressing CD24. Evidence indicates that patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) retain CD24+ tumor cells that may underlie disease relapse and drug resistance. The long-term goal of our research is to target and eradicate residual myeloma cells and, ultimately, provide a cure. For more information on research projects in the lab, see our recent publications in Oncogene 2022, J Hematol Oncol. 2021, Front Immunol. 2021, Blood 2020 and elsewhere. A complete publication list is available online at https://www.mcw.edu/departments/medicine/divisions/hematology-oncology-cancer/people/siegfried-janz-md

The ideal applicant should have recently received a doctoral degree (PhD or MD/PhD); should have strong skills in molecular biology, cancer biology, and immunology/immunotherapy; should have excellent oral and written communication skills and a publication record with at least 1 first-authored manuscript in a reputable peer-reviewed journal. The candidate must be able to develop hypotheses independently, design experiments to test them, and present the results in the form of presentations, abstracts, and manuscripts. The position is initially for 2 years but is renewable for additional years funding permitting. The start date is flexible. A competitive salary, fringe benefits, and resources for career development are available.

This position is NOT RESTRICTED to permanent U.S. residents or citizens.

Characteristics of a postdoctoral appointment:

It is expected that postdocs at MCW, with the assistance of their supervisor, will:

• Transition to career independence through the development of professional skills that enable the postdoc to actively pursue a career of his/her own choosing.
• Be supervised by at least one senior scholar who actively promotes the postdoc's professional development.
• Establish an individual development plan (IDP) that incorporates equally the postdoc's career and training goals and the mentor's research goals.
• Pursue basic, clinical, or translational projects so long as effort is focused primarily on research.
• Publish results of the postdoc's research and scholarship during their appointment.
• The postdoctoral appointment is temporary by nature, the aggregate amount of time spent as a postdoc is recommended to not exceed five years (not including family medical leave or maternity/paternity leave).
• As postdocs are important members of the host institution's community, appropriate levels of compensation, health care, and other benefits commensurate with their essential status should be afforded, independent of the postdoc's source of funding.

Primary Functions

• Perform immunology and cancer immunotherapy experiments from design conception to data analysis and presentation of results.
• Prepare scientific papers and present scientific data at local and national meetings.
• Assist Drs. Janz and Parashar with preparing, submitting and reviewing research grant applications.
• Plan, design and execute complex research studies, procedures, and protocols.
• Participate in discovery projects.
• Develop new methodologies for lab procedures.
• Coordinate research study activities; lead and manage projects.
• Oversee organization, synthesis and analysis of data and findings.
• Prepare scientific reports, outcome findings and scientific manuscripts. 
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff in which you will evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and design and evaluate lab procedures.
• Maintain supplies, may require negotiation with vendors, and track purchase orders.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction, delegation and establishing priorities.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Understanding of general and advanced laboratory procedures, scientific approaches, and methodologies is essential.
• Experience with immunological, biochemical, molecular, and cellular techniques is required.
• Experience with sequencing and single-cell analysis is preferred; computational/bioinformatic experience is desired, but not required.
• Experience with handling of laboratory animals is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with grant coordinators to track and monitor spending is highly desired.
• Ability to develop and follow research protocols is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and share ideas with collaborators and researchers in other labs is required.
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and record management.
• Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.

Organizational Structure

Building:                                   MACC Fund Research Building

Department:                              Medicine

Division:                                   Hematology and Oncology

Direct Reports to (Title):            Dr. Deepak Parashar, Assistant Research Professor, Hematology/Oncology – in Department of Medicine

Preferred Schedule:
Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements:

Specifications

Minimum Required Education:               PhD in molecular biology, immunology, or related fields

Minimum Required Experience:             None

Preferred Education:                              PhD in Cancer Biology

Preferred Experience:                            Cancer biology, cancer immunology, molecular and cellular biology techniques, and immunotherapy

Classification

Grade Name                                         NULL

Full-Time Equivalent                             1.0

FLSA Status                                  Exempt

FLSA Test                                            Learned Professional

Workweek                                            Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Job ID                                          283

Job Name                                     Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Category                            Research Services (RS)

Job Scope

Complexity – regularly applied judgment to accomplish tasks; develops policies and procedures

Impact – errors may cause moderate to serious damage; accuracy highly important

Autonomy – performs work independently with regular check-ins; supervision available as needed

Communication – occasionally resolves conflicts; adapts communication style to audiences

Responsibility – advises others

Confidentiality – regularly prepares and uses confidential information

Leadership – acts as a role model

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Risk Potential

Little or no exposure to hazards such as dust, fumes, or extreme temperatures, airborne or blood borne pathogens, extreme temperatures, or allergens.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Performance Dimensions

Collegiality

Exhibit confidentiality, honesty, and actions that build trust and strengthen relationships. Listen to others and effectively communicate in a clear and concise manner through written and verbal communication. Demonstrate respect and commitment to the values of diversity and equity; seek out and incorporate diverse perspectives into decision making.

Excellence and Creativity

Exhibit initiative and ingenuity by taking ownership of tasks to proactively improve services, avoid problems, or develop opportunities. Generate novel and valuable ideas to impact institutional missions.

Identify and implement new methods to increase efficiency and quality.

Education and Development

Displays an ongoing commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement in one's area of responsibility. Actively seek out mentorship and learning opportunities that can be applied to current and future work activities. Develop and maintain professional affiliations. Participate in design, development, and/or evaluation of instructional materials, methods, courses, or programs.

Agility and Judgment

Remain flexible and versatile in rapidly changing environment and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Change behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal. Make timely and sound decisions based on analysis of information, experience, and logic. Show reliability and accountability in the successful completion of all work.

Stewardship and Institutional Citizenship

Support transformational change to achieve institutional vision and strategies. Be an active and thoughtful participant in institutional initiatives, meetings, and committee work. Conserve resources and use in an efficient and cost effective manner across all institutional missions. Look for ways to improve and promote quality within area of influence.

Disclaimers

Background Check

Employment in this position may be contingent upon successfully completing a background and criminal history check, caregiver background check in accordance with the Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check

Law, physical examination, and / or driving record check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Medical College of Wisconsin is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Medical College of Wisconsin defines diversity as a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of individual differences in an environment that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. The diversity of MCW continues to be an important source of innovative ideas and creative accomplishments.

Confidentiality

Employees that have access to MCW, affiliate, subsidiary, or student data or Protected Health Information

(PI), or research protected information are obligated to protect the confidentiality and proper use and access of this information in order to prevent loss, misuse, unauthorized access, unnecessary identification, or security breaches.

Completeness

This job description is not an employment contract and the Medical College of Wisconsin may modify this document at any time. This document is intended to indicate the types of tasks and levels of skill, effort, and responsibility required by positions assigned this title. This information shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of direct reports. The functions described are not to be interpreted as exclusive or all-inclusive of the various functions performed.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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