Organization Overview

　　Our lab is interested in understanding how the immune system is able to respond to pathogens without jeopardizing its tolerance to innocuous substances,a critical balance that allows us to fend off infectious disease without inflicting damage on our own tissues. We are particularly interested in examining the workings of this process in the intestine,where it is complicated by persistent exposure to a wide variety of antigens from food as well as a flourishing ecosystem of both helpful and harmful bacteria. This work has the potential to further our understanding of autoimmune conditions such as allergies and asthma and also to suggest new ways in which immune cells could be harnessed to neutralize pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

　　Overview

　　The intestinal tissue is continuously exposed to large amounts of microbe– and food–derived molecules that can stimulate immune responses. We study how the intestine generates protective responses against invading pathogens (resistance) while absorbing beneficial microbe– and food–derived molecules (tolerance). Several cellular and molecular mechanisms exist to ensure robust tolerance induction in the mucosal surfaces, and disruption of such processes often leads to severe chronic inflammatory pathologies such as colitis, Celiac disease and food allergies, and colorectal cancer. We seek to understand how immunity against microbiota and food are generated and how they can contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis while protecting us from invading pathogens.

　　Key Objectives:

　　Microbiota Immunity:We investigate into the intricate interactions between the immune system and the vast array of microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal environment. Our goal is to uncover the mechanisms that enable the immune system to maintain a harmonious relationship with the microbiota.

　　Food Immunity:Understanding how the immune system navigates the challenges posed by the diverse range of dietary antigens is one of focus of our research. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of immune tolerance to dietary components while ensuring robust defense against potential threats such as invading pathogens.

　　We are seeking two motivated and detail-oriented individuals to join our research team as Research Assistants. As a key member of our team, you will play a crucial role in supporting our research and contributing to the understanding of the development and function of the intestinal immune system. Specific projects focus on dissecting the immune responses against gut microbiota, food and cancer, as well as understanding both genetic and environmental drivers of intestinal immune phenotypes. The Research Assistants will use mouse models to assess gut immune cells by flow cytometry and RNA-sequencing and will be responsible for animal colony maintenance. Other technical responsibilities may include bacterial and mammalian cell culture (including organoid cultures), ELISA, and immunoblotting, as well as molecular biology techniques such as cloning, RNA/DNA extractions, PCR and single-cell PCRs.

　　Responsibilities

　　Responsibilities include:

　　Conduct laboratory experiments and assist in various research projects

　　Prepare and maintain accurate research records and documentation in a laboratory notebook

　　Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments

　　Prepare and aliquot solutions and other chemicals for lab members

　　Maintenance of animal colonies

　　Collaborate with researchers to design and execute experiments

　　Analyze and interpret experimental results

　　Stay up to date with relevant scientific literature

　　Qualifications

　　Required:

　　Bachelor’s degree in biology or related areas

　　Must have basic previous laboratory training

　　Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

　　Proficient in using laboratory equipment and instruments

　　Excellent communication and teamwork skills

　　Ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedure

　　The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

　　The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

　　Compensation Range: Min

　　USD $48,300.00/Yr.

　　Compensation Range: Max

　　USD $52,000.00/Yr.

　　Job Locations US-NY-New York

　　Category Science

　　Position Type Regular Full-Time