Senior Scientist II, Pathology Research

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Abbott lab in the Pathology Department at UTMB is seeking motivated individuals with interest in vaccine biology to join the lab. The focus of the lab is to better understand the in vivo processes that contribute to B cell competition following vaccination with complex vaccine-relevant antigens. In this light we intensively study germinal center and memory B cells. We explore novel vaccine platforms and strategies in this process. A major focus of the lab is a better understanding of these processes in HIV vaccine candidates utilizing B cell transfer models (Immunity 2018 and PNAS 2020 (PMIDs:29287996 & 32873644)). The senior scientist II should have extensive prior immunology experience working with in vivo mouse models and have a high degree of scientific integrity. Prior experience in vaccinology is required. Individuals will have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques in the lab and receive regular mentorship. The successful candidate will be trained in required lab specific techniques such as B cell transfers. The successful candidate will be exceptionally independent in running experiments, drafting manuscripts, and presenting at conferences with directional supervision of the PI. The ideal candidate is also expected to manage and mentor junior lab staff at the discretion of the PI.  If hired, the expected minimum commitment is three years. The lab is NIH funded. The ideal candidate will have extensive prior lab experience in immunology, 9 years of postdoctoral laboratory experience, and extremely strong molecular biology skills. The ideal candidate should have at least six published first author papers focused in immunology in reputable journals and provide the contact information for 3 references.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, coordinates and directs moderately complex research experiments following general technical procedures.
• Has a high level of independence and strong work ethic.
• Makes modification to research procedures as determined by Principal Investigator.
• Can independently analyze and interpret scientific data of projects with minimal guidance from the PI
• Identifies and assess feasibility and significance of research projects with minimal guidance from the PI
• Tasks include running independent in vivo mouse vaccine experiments
• Techniques include: high parameter flow cytometry (up to 27 colors), in vivo mouse work, fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, standard tissue culture, standard mouse handling techniques, ELISA, ELISpot, 10x genomics, single cell PCR. 
• Maintains organized records of all tests performed and data collected, compiles and tabulates data, provides analysis of results.
• Oversee junior lab staff such as technicians and graduate students at the discretion of the PI
• Present findings at major national and international conferences. 
• Ensures the accurate assembly, calibration, operation and modification of a variety of laboratory equipment as defined by appropriate guidelines.
• Independently performs literature searches relevant to lab projects.
• Provides guidance to junior research staff and supervises work of junior lab staff when directed by the PI.
• Adheres to internal controls established for department.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD, MD, DO, or DVM in related field and nine years of related experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Immunology or related field (e.g. Biology with a focus in immunology). A minimum of 9 years postdoctoral experience is required. 
• Substantial experience doing in vivo immunology experiments in mice. 
• Standard immunological techniques – Flow cytometry, ELISAs / Elispot, fluorescent microscopy
• Molecular biology skills – PCR, rt-PCR and RNA work, basic cloning
• Six published first authored papers in immunology. 

SALARY:
Commensurate with experience.