Research Scientist - Cardiology

Position Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Scientist. This role will collaborate with Principal Investigators and work independently within the scientific framework of the PI's laboratory. Key responsibilities include overseeing the mouse colony, supporting day‑to‑day lab operations in a cardiovascular immunology research environment focused on atherosclerosis, immunology, and mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using genetically modified mouse models and human samples.

The position also involves managing complex mouse breeding schemes, coordinating animal use for experiments, and acting as an informal acting lab manager responsible for operations, compliance, and training.

• Design, implement, and maintain complex mouse breeding strategies for atherosclerosis and immunology studies (e.g., Apoe-/-, Ldlr-/-, conditional and transgenic strains).
• Perform mouse husbandry, including weaning, sexing, identification, genotyping, and colony record‑keeping.
• Plan and manage colony size and timed matings to meet experimental needs efficiently.
• Coordinate with the institutional animal facility and veterinary staff to ensure high standards of animal care and welfare.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date digital records of breeding, lineages, health status, and assignments to experiments.

• Perform DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis for routine and complex genotyping.
• Analyze and document genotyping results; allocate animals to breeding or experimental cohorts.
• Assist with phenotypic characterization relevant to atherosclerosis and CVD (e.g., basic clinical scoring and tissue collection according to protocols).

• Perform tissue dissection and collection
  , with emphasis on:
  • Harvesting whole aortas and aortic roots from murine models of atherosclerosis.
  • Isolating additional cardiovascular and immune‑related tissues (e.g., heart, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow).
• Process tissues for histological and immunohistochemical analysis, including:
  • Embedding (e.g., OCT or paraffin) and cryosectioning/sectioning of aortic roots and other vascular tissues.
  • Preparing slides for staining (e.g., Oil Red O, H&E, Massons trichrome, immunostaining for immune and vascular markers).
• Collaborate with lab members to quantify lesion area and composition and to integrate histological data with molecular and immunological readouts.

• Serve as the primary point person for daily lab operations and general lab organization.
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and maintenance of equipment, reagents, and consumables.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for animal work, tissue processing, biosafety, and general lab practices.
• Coordinate compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, including IACUC and biosafety protocols and mandatory trainings.
• Interface with departmental administration, core facilities, and vendors to support efficient lab functioning.

• Support ongoing atherosclerosis and CVD projects through molecular, cellular, and histological techniques, such as:
  • qPCR, Western blotting, ELISAs.
  • Flow cytometry on immune cells (e.g., from blood, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, aortas).
  • Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry on aortic root and vascular sections.
• Participate in experimental design discussions, particularly regarding mouse models, endpoints, and tissue collection strategies.
• Assist with data acquisition, organization, and basic analysis; contribute to figures and methods for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.

• Train and supervise students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in:
  • Mouse handling, breeding, and colony management.
  • Cardiovascular tissue harvesting and aortic root sectioning
    .
  • Relevant molecular and histological techniques.
• Promote a culture of rigor, reproducibility, safety, and collaboration.

• MS degree and 2‑4 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• PhD in Biology,…