Overview:

The Department for Investigative Medicine at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow research position in the laboratory of Momoko Yoshimoto MD, PhD, Professor, Investigative Medicine. Ongoing projects for molecular immunology include: understanding the mechanisms that produce hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and lymphoid progenitors in the mouse embryo, examining the effects of different cell origins on immune cell functions, producing hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and antibody-secreting B cells using mouse and human pluripotent stem cells, and elucidating the preventive roles of B-1 cells against atherosclerosis. Dr. Yoshimoto’s lab utilizes many transgenic moues lines including lineage tracing and in vivo barcoding models. Postdoctoral fellows will lead research projects and have the opportunity to closely collaborate with experts in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry in the department of investigative medicine.

Responsibilities:

Direct involvement and participation in discovery-based research

Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical and/or administrative nature both within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology

Conducts independent research and assists in the conduct of research

Analyzes data and interprets results to write reports and summaries of findings

Maintains accurate records of tests conducted, results, data and patients tested including calculation of results from supplied data, obtained data and statistics

Provides instruction in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of laboratory test procedures to new technicians and students

Assists supervisor and lab members in the development of technical procedures and protocols

Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments

Manages lab technicians time

Provides feedback to lab members and department managers

Maintains clean and efficient work area and replenishes supplies as necessary

Is available to work on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.

Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.

Pursues all other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate is expected to carry out and publish cutting edge original research based on themes current in the Yoshimoto Lab, and to contribute to establishing and promoting a successful research environment.

Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with a recognized record of accomplishment as evidenced by scholarly publications in the fields noted above.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

MD or PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, hematology, developmental biology, or a related field is required.

Required skills include experience with: sterile tissue culture, immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometric analysis, transplantation, mouse embryo dissection, RNA, DNA and protein extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and molecular cloning.