Post Doctoral Associate
- Employer
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Location
- 55 Lake Ave North
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Institutional & Business Affairs, Auxiliary Services
- Position Type
- Postdoc
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Applied Immunology and Translational Science
Responsibilities:
The Moormann lab studies human immunity against infectious diseases and infection-associated cancers. Our basic immunology approach applies knowledge of immune mechanisms in order to further our understanding of how Plasmodium falciparum malaria and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) co-infections in children promote immunopathology and endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) tumorigenesis.
Taking the lead on NIH-funded projects that interrogate human T cell immunity within the context of epidemiologic studies, in vitro assays and humanized mouse models. Designing and carrying out experiments to explore one or more of the following topics: determine the functional role of unconventional CD8 T cell subsets associated with malaria infections in eBL pathogenesis (Falanga, et al., JCIi 2017); determine the expression pattern of immune checkpoint inhibitors and activation markers within the tumor microenvironment and their functional role in tumor maintenance; a new project involves determining the longevity of T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within household clusters. These hypotheses will be tested using by high resolution multiparameter flow cytometry, single cell RNAseq, and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Humanized mouse model studies are done in collaboration with Drs. Mike Brehm @ UMMS, Lenny Shultz @ Jackson Labs, and Christian Münz @ the University of Zurich.
Expectations also include preparation of oral presentations for program/department research in progress meetings, submission of abstracts for poster and oral presentations at national/international meetings, and oversight of technician and/or student working on related projects.
Training environment: Dr. Moormann is a mentor for the Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE) and has collaborations with world renowned scientists at Duke University (Micah Luftig), Brown University (Jeff Bailey), the Kenya Medical Research Institute (John Michael Ong’echa) and the University of Zurich, Switzerland (Christian Münz). These collaborations provide additional support and professional networking for a post-doctoral trainee to flourish if they would like to pursue a career in academics.Find out more about the UMMS research community at http://www.umassmed.edu/research-home/UMass Medical School is located in Worcester, in the heart of Massachusetts on Lake Quinsigamond. An affordable place to live and commuter distance to western Boston suburbs.
Requirements:
- Highly motivated with a PhD in Immunology, Cell or Molecular Biology or related discipline.
- Demonstrated interest in human immunology, B and T cell immunity to infectious diseases
- Experience or strong interest in the emerging trends in computational analyzes such as FlowJo, SPICE, and OMIQ platform including FlowSOM, UMAP, tools. Ability to learn/ work with R.
- Experience in the following techniques prioritized: multi-parameter flow cytometry, in vitro cytotoxicity assays, handling/injecting/genotyping mice, preparation of tissues for histology, single cell RNA sequencing.
- Experience with mouse models or willingness to learn techniques to do subcutaneous injections, bleed mice and measure tumors weekly.
- Willing to work in laboratory in Kenya (for ~ 3-4 weeks per year) to optimize sample collections from study participants for immunologic and single cell assays.
- Enjoys training students, good written and oral communication skills, self-motivated and organized, willing to contribute to other team-science collaborative projects.
To apply for this position: Send your CV and the contact information for three references to Dr. Ann Moormann @ ann.moormann@umassmed.edu
Organization
Realize Your Opportunities – A Career at UMASS Medical School
Inside Workings at UMASS Medical School
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), the Commonwealth's only public medical school, is proud of our role in serving the people of Massachusetts. Although, its the inside workings of UMMS that makes the difference.
Mission and Culture
- We’re serious about our mission and about our people.
- Real World Impact - Our people get excited about our mission of real-world impact in health sciences education, research and public service.
- International Prominence and New Opportunities - As this institution has grown to national – and international – prominence, we’ve found new opportunities to train tomorrow’s physicians, nurses and scientists, discover causes of and cures for disease and help improve the quality of health care.
- Deep Commitment - With our clinical partner, UMass Memorial Health Care, and our other teaching affiliates, we share a deep commitment to national distinction in patient care.
- Valued Partnerships – UMMS partners with Commonwealth Medicine, the health care consulting arm of UMMS. Also, UMMS partners with MassBiologics in scientific collaborations, technology management and creating partnerships for the development of products for the benefit of patients. These valued partnerships help us to provide services and programs to help meet our needs at UMMS and the public.
- Proud Contributors - People at UMMS enjoy the feeling of going to work every day knowing what they do is truly important and worthwhile.
- Complementary and Inseparable - These varied parts of our mission and culture are complementary and inseparable.
Careers
UMMS, the state’s first and only public academic health sciences center, educates physicians, scientists and advanced practice nurses to heal, discover, teach and care, with compassion. UMMS is a world-class institution with opportunities to match. 
Competitive Compensation – UMMS offers salaries that are competitive with Worcester-area employers. When combined with our generous benefits, perks, and paid time off, many job seekers are surprised to find a total rewards package that matches or exceeds their current situation.
Targeted Hiring Process – At UMMS, there are actually multiple hiring processes for different segments of our workforce. In nearly all cases, UMMS hiring process is decentralized, with qualified candidates screened and referred to an academic officer or manager with hiring authority.
24/7 Access to Employment Opportunities – iCIMS is our online job search and application system. iCIMS is available 24/7 to provide you with a convenient and up-to-date view of the available employment opportunities across our campuses. Updates are made daily and include all faculty and non-faculty position listings from every school and department within the UMMS. When you identify a position you are interested in and qualified for, apply online. New opportunities become available frequently so it pays to check back often!
Benefits
With outstanding benefits, competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, UMMS may be exactly the employer you’ve been looking for.
• Superior Benefits - UMMS offers a wide range of benefits and perks that invite comparison with the best employers in the Worcester area – and with academic institutions anywhere. UMMS provides superior medical and dental coverage for you and your family, fully funded retirement plans, generous time off, a Tuition Assistance Plan – and much more.
• People Centered - UMMS is an employer, but it is also a community. Its comprehensive medical and dental benefits, retirement plans, and even paid holidays reflect an institution built around people, with a deep respect for their differences and needs.
• Commitment to Healthy Living - UMMS provides resources to help you balance work and life and encourages healthy living through great programs and discounts for fitness, physical activity, weight management, nutritional counseling and general wellness available through our health insurance plans.
• Breadth of Offerings - Above all, the breadth of UMMS offerings set the School apart and makes it an environment favored by all sorts of smart, career-savvy people.
Apply for a Job
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMMS recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
Online - To view all job opportunities and apply online, visit www.umassmed.edu/hr and click on the “Careers” tab.
Start Now and Realize Your Opportunities!
A History of Making Vital Improvements - UMASS Medical School Milestones
1962: Legislation establishes University of Massachusetts Medical School
1970: First medical students begin classes in Shaw Building
1974: First class graduates 16 MDs
1979: PhD program begins
1986: Graduate School of Nursing opens
1986: PhD program becomes Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
1994: Graduate School of Nursing initiates PhD program
1998: UMass Clinical System and Memorial Health Care merge to form UMass Memorial Health Care
2001: Lazare Research Building opens
2002: Campus Modernization begins on the University Campus
2004: Graduate Entry Pathway Program established at the Graduate School of Nursing
2005: PhD Program in Clinical & Population Health Research established at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
2005: Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories opens new manufacturing and filling facility in Mattapan
2006: Craig Mello, PhD, Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, is awarded the Medical School's first Nobel Prize. Dr. Mello shared the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Andrew Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, for their discoveries related to RNA interference.
2007: Michael F. Collins, MD, is named chancellor and Terence R. Flotte, MD, is named dean of the School of Medicine.
2009: Groundbreaking for the Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility slated for completion in 2012.
2010: Ambulatory Care Center opens
2012: The Albert Sherman Center, a 500,000-square-foot research and education facility, completed and opens
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert