Research Professional 4

Job description:
The aim of this work is to explore the tumor and immune microenvironment interactions and impact on immune and cellular therapeutics. We propose a comprehensive immunohistochemical approach to study tumor resident immune effectors as they relate to tumor architecture and interface with immunotherapy with NK-cell therapeutics or other therapies. We will use tissue sections and other formats of specimens to characterize tissue environment in samples obtained from patients prior to adoptive immunotherapy with Natural Killer cells. We will be using multiparametric immunofluorescent staining platform (Codex) allowing for concurrent analysis of up to 48 markers on the same section, requiring high content data analysis. We will also analyze tissues procured after immune-therapy to characterize the components of immune system. We will use immunohistochemistry to stain markers of immune cells, record microscopic images and analyze them to study how pre-existing tumor characteristics and environment affects outcome of immunotherapy. The aim is to analyze multiple parameters/markers on the same section.

The research focus of my laboratory is Natural Killer cells and their interactions with other cell types in the context of immunotherapy and in the context of leukemia and lymphoma as well as in the setting of  infections and other types of  cancer.

While this position reports to a primary supervisor, they also need to maintain good working relationship with other members of the laboratory. Ability to communication clearly and timely is essential to this role.  We are looking for a candidate who will work under general supervision but is given the latitude to make decision on projects that you are accountable for delivering on; decisions may involve selecting an alternative approach, timing when certain tasks should be performed, and determining how to best use available resources. The candidate will be expected to provide professional research and technical support to research projects in the following areas: multiparametric tissue analysis in immunotherapy, leukemia, lymphoma, cancer, infection. An ideal candidate will be recognized as a technical expert on multiparametric tissue analysis using Codex and an on-the-ground resource for investigators.


Responsibilities

·         10% Provide customized and knowledgeable guidance and information to researchers and other stakeholders seeking access to multiparametric tissue analysis using Codex. 

·         10% Serve as a research coordinator for the original and collaborative research projects by managing data collection and developing data collection methods and protocols and ensuring the highest standings are followed with regard to collection, handling, entry and storage of data.

·         5% Work with investigators to manage timely completion of project timelines during development and management of their research studies. Ensure compliance with in all research areas including budgeting.

·         20% Design and completes research studies according to established or new guidelines

o   Cut sections of tissues in paraffin blocks, cryo-sectioning of frozen tissues on cryostat and making cytospins

o   Perform antigen retrieval as required, immunohistochemical staining, in situ RNA hybridization.

o   Use the microscope to interpret results of staining

o   Use immunofluorescent microscopy to stain multiple markers at the same time

o   Use the Codex platform and associated digital image analysis software for multiparametric image analysis

·         20% Record of the images of tissue for subsequent analysis

·         25% Responsible for analysis of the tissue image to derive parameters which can be compared between specimens

·         5% Collecting the parameters and preparing them for analysis in the form of graphs and other

·         5% Partner with the histology laboratory to obtain tissue sections from specimens stored in the specimen collection


The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
·         Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
·         Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
·         Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
·         Excellent retirement plans with employer match
·         Disability and employer paid life insurance
·         Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
·         Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
·         Student loan forgiveness opportunity
·         Opportunities for growth and promotion
·         Employee Assistance Program
For more information regarding benefits: https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2019_tcd-cslr-75100-ben-0105-7_1.pdf