Research Scientist

This position supports the research program of Dr. Rachael Gordon in the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gordon's program focuses on understanding the immunopathogenesis of Sjögren's disease (SjD) with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets. The research program uses murine models of SjD, multiomics technologies, and a prospective SjD patient registry and biorepository to study novel pathogenic immune pathways, including the IL-12/IFNγ axis and infectious triggers of autoimmunity.

The Research Scientist will be expected to work independently, exercise scientific judgment across all aspects of the research program, and play a central role in driving projects forward from conception through publication.

Preferred qualifications include a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent professional doctorate in immunology, microbiology, or a related biomedical discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience and a track record of independent scientific productivity including peer-reviewed publications. Preferred technical experience includes in vivo mouse models of autoimmune or inflammatory disease, multiparameter or spectral flow cytometry, and human biospecimen processing.

Experience with multiomics platforms such as single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, bulk RNA sequencing, or proteomics is strongly preferred, and the ability to independently analyze such datasets is a plus.

Experience with human translational research is also advantageous. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, clear scientific communication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.