Postdoctoral Fellow - Xian Lab - Immunology

Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies.

As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty.

With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Under the direction of a Principal Investigator, further develops and expands understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. Incumbent also learns and applies scientific laboratory techniques and gains experience in other areas of research that will lead to increased probability of success as an independent scientist. This is a training position with an expected duration of 1 – 3 years.

At the crossroads of metabolism, immunity, and aging

The Xian lab’s long-term goal is to enhance immune therapies by uncovering how mitochondrial stress activates the immune system. We focus on how mitochondria-released danger signals—known as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)—shape immunity. In particular, we study circulating oxidized mitochondrial DNA (Ox-mtDNA), that rises with aging and correlates with autoimmune, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. By defining these pathways, we aim to translate basic discoveries into new diagnostics and therapies for autoimmunity, aging-related conditions, and cancer.

Our recent work revealed that Ox-mtDNA controls the transition from inflammation to autoimmunity, through direct communication between plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells
. This finding opens two central questions for our lab:

• Do pDCs present self-antigens to activate Tfh cells in autoimmune disease?
• Are Tfh cells pathogenic in aging and neurodegenerative conditions where circulating Ox-mtDNA is elevated?

To address these questions, we combine human and mouse models with approaches in immunology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and bioinformatics
. Through this integrated strategy, we will define the molecular mechanisms of immune pathogenesis and ultimately develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for autoimmunity, neurodegeneration and cancer.

Benefits
Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on your job classification. Full-time regular employes are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short- and Long-term disability, life insurance, 7% match dollar for dollar 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, others.

• MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  * Works with Principal Investigator to develop a research project.
  * Executes laboratory experiments specific to aims of research.
  * Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions.
  * Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan.
  * Provides direction to Technologists and Trainees.
  * Generates clear and complete records of experimental work.
  * Communicates…