Post Doctoral Research Associate - Rothchild Lab

Title: Post Doctoral Research Associate
- Rothchild Lab

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The laboratory of Dr. Alissa Rothchild in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our collaborative team to study the role of alveolar macrophages in the context of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a pathogen of global health significance. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct and support multiple NIH-funded projects and collaborations to characterize pulmonary macrophage innate sensing pathways, cell death, vaccine mechanisms of protection, and innate‑adaptive crosstalk in the lung.

The research group applies approaches across multiple disciplines including immunology, microbiology, lung biology, and systems biology in a fast‑paced and supportive environment. The Postdoctoral research associate will be expected to work closely with other lab members and lead projects independently, in partnership with Dr. Rothchild. Enthusiasm, organization, communication skills, and initiative to learn new methods are essential. Training in immunology and microbiology techniques that are unfamiliar to the candidate will be provided.

• Cell culture of primary murine and human cells.
• Assays such as flow cytometry, ELISA, microscopy, gene expression analysis, and genomics.
• Culture of bacterial pathogens under Biosafety Level 2 and 3 (BSL2 and BSL3) conditions.
• Infection of primary cells and mice with bacterial pathogens.
• Small animal handling and procedures, such as vaccination and adoptive transfer.
• Data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and oral presentations.

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

PhD in Biological Sciences, Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology, or Microbiology.

• Experience with immunological assays and cell phenotyping (i.e. flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, microscopy) and small animal handling and procedures.
• Background in bacterial microbiology and/or experience working in Biosafety Level 3 facility.
• Experience with computational biology and genomics analysis (i.e. RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq).

How do innate immune cells in the lung balance their roles as pathogen sentinels and regulators of inflammation? How does prior exposure or vaccination alter their homeostatic functions and interactions with other immune cells? Can these cells be therapeutically targeted to improve host defense or limit pathology in the context of infectious disease? These are just a few of the questions the Rothchild lab seeks to answer.

Visit our website to learn more.

UMass Amherst provides state‑of‑the‑art core facilities, dedicated career development support, and diverse mentoring opportunities. The College of Natural Sciences houses a vibrant and engaged life sciences research community, with additional support from the Institute for Applied Life Sciences. The Rothchild lab is an active member of local and international TB research communities and provides opportunities for travel to national and international scientific conferences.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Science's Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024‑2034 Strategic Plan.

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Monday
- Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Occasionally hours may change depending on needs of the lab and the timing of experiments.

Salary minimum is determined by collective bargaining agreement based on years of experience. Salary may exceed the floor and will be determined by the PI.

Current floors based on 100% time, 40 hours/week:
0-2 years $62,838
3-4 years $66,287
5+ years $71,033

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.