UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Department of Pharmacology & Immunology

Overview

The Mallah Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and talented individual for a Staff Scientist I position to support ongoing neuroimmunology-related research. The laboratory investigates immune activation and neuroimmune interactions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) using experimental mouse models in combination with microscopy, cellular and molecular immune profiling, and behavioral analyses. The Staff Scientist I will contribute to funded projects in the lab and will be responsible for advancing research progress through experimental design, execution of studies, troubleshooting, and data analysis.

The individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory members to advance multiple projects and generate high-quality data for publications and grant-supported research. This position is ideally suited for candidates with an advanced degree in biological science, such as neuroscience, immunology, or a related field.

• Animal procedures and behavioral studies (35%):
  Execute research activities in support of assigned projects, with a primary focus on animal procedures and behavioral experimentation. Responsibilities include performing surgical procedures, such as traumatic brain injury models, conducting behavioral assays, analyzing experimental data, maintaining animal colonies, and harvesting tissues for downstream analyses.
• Wet lab procedures and laboratory operations (35%):
  Conduct wet lab procedures of assigned research projects. Duties include, but are not limited to, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining, microscopy, flow cytometry, cryosectioning of tissue, and analysis of experimental data using specialized software. Additional responsibilities include preparing laboratory reagents, managing inventory of reagents and aliquots, and overseeing equipment maintenance in collaboration with Research Specialists in the Mallah Lab.
• Scientific communication and reporting (15%):
  Prepare initial drafts of manuscripts, abstracts, and progress reports, including publication-quality figures, detailed methods, and draft sections of introductions, results, and discussions. Develop posters and other presentation materials for scientific meetings. Maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific literature to support ongoing and future research efforts.
• General laboratory support and organization (15%):
  Provide support for related projects within the lab and assist other personnel as needed. Responsibilities include training new and visiting lab members on standard protocols and procedures, participating in lab meetings and project-specific meetings, maintaining accurate and organized documentation of records such as budgets, purchases, and laboratory notebooks. The individual will assist the principal investigator in fostering a clean, collaborative, compliant, and efficient research environment.

A PhD degree in biology or other natural, life or health care science related to the assigned area of research. At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience.

Ability to work independently and as a member of a research team. Can manage projects of moderate size with PI input. Experience in immunofluorescence, microscopy, and flow cytometry. Some experience in animal surgical methods and behavioral assays.

• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
• Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
• Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent)
• Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent)
• Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
• Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
• Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent)
• Ability to lift objects, up to 30 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent)
• Ability to lower objects, up to 30 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent)
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 50 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent)
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous)
• Ability to match…