The Department of Microbiology and Immunology seeks a scientist (Researcher 5) to join the Gale lab. The Gale lab wants to understand how viral and host factors impact innate and adaptive immune defenses to determine the outcome of virus infection. To replicate and spread efficiently, many viruses encode factors that direct the suppression of innate immunity in the host cell. Our studies are focused on (i) defining the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) pathways and regulatory features of these pathways by which cells induce innate immunity, (ii) defining the viral strategies used to disarm or evade innate immune processes in infected cells and tissues, and (iii) determining how the processes of virus and host control of innate immune defenses regulate the outcome of virus infection. The significance of this work to human and animal health is that we will gain a detailed understanding of the molecular processes by which viral pathogens trigger and control immunity to infection, thus allowing us to define new antiviral targets and vaccine strategies for the development of specific and effective immunotherapies to control virus infection.

Responsibilities:

80% Conduct Research Projects

Performs experiments with various viruses and infect mice in a BSL2, BSL2 plus and BSL3 environments. Process tissue for flow cytometric analysis, single cell RNA sequencing, microarray analysis, western blotting and other techniques needed for the research projects. Assist in the growth and maintenance of viruses used for laboratory projects and documentation of freezer stocks. Help to set up, operate, and maintain a Next Generation Sequencing robot that will be used to discover novel sequences of interest. Prepare research for presentations and publications. Assist in grant writing.

10% Research Management and Dissemination

Attend, participate or present at laboratory meetings, seminars and conferences as needed. Coordinate with collaborators from different universities and institutes about research. Provide research updates to collaborators and prepare reports to funding agencies.

10% Laboratory Oversight

Assist in the writing of lab SOPS and amendments to IACUC and IBC protocols needed for projects. Assist in the training of new lab personnel. Instruct, direct, and supervise junior lab personnel as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in microbiology or related field and at least 1 year of experience.
• Excellent microbiology, molecular biology, and data analysis skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical methods in data analysis

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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