Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Hogan Laboratory within Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an ongoing research program investigating the cellular and molecular regulation of rare mucosal immune cell populations in allergic and inflammatory disease, with a particular focus on IL-9-producing mucosal mast cells (MMC9s) and their role in IgE-mediated food allergy. This position requires essential, hands-on expertise in flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting of rare immune cell populations, together with substantial experience performing in vivo mouse experimentation. Prior experience working in Th2-type immunity and mouse models of allergic inflammation is highly advantageous.
Responsibilities*
Design and perform multi-parameter flow cytometric analyses to identify, characterize, and quantify rare immune cell populations (e.g., mucosal mast cells, mast cell progenitors, innate lymphoid cells, cytokine-producing subsets) across tissue compartments.
Perform flow cytometric cell sorting to purify rare immune cell populations for downstream functional, transcriptomic (bulk and single-cell RNA-seq), and in vitro culture assays.
Conduct in vivo mouse experimentation, including animal handling, epicutaneous sensitization and oral antigen challenge, dosing/injection techniques, bone marrow reconstitution, and tissue harvest across multiple organ systems.
Design and execute ex vivo and in vitro functional assays to characterize immune cell activation, cytokine production (e.g., IL-9), and degranulation/effector function.
Contribute to gene expression profiling studies (qPCR, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq) of sorted immune cell populations and support downstream bioinformatic analysis in collaboration with lab members.
Analyze, interpret, and present data at lab meetings and scientific conferences; contribute to manuscript and grant preparation.
Maintain detailed and organized records of experiments, protocols, and results.
Mentor junior lab members (graduate students, technicians) as the research program develops.
Required Qualifications*
Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
Demonstrated, hands-on expertise in flow cytometry, including multi-parameter panel design, intracellular/cytokine staining, and analysis and sorting of rare immune cell populations.
Substantial experience with in vivo mouse models, including animal handling, dosing/injection techniques (oral, intraperitoneal, intravenous, subcutaneous), and tissue harvest across multiple organ systems.
Strong background in immunology, with direct experience studying immune cell populations and their functional responses.
Solid foundation in core molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, protein expression/purification, Western blot, qRT-PCR).
Strong record of productivity, evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Desired Qualifications*
Prior experience working in Th2-type immunity and mouse models of allergic inflammation (e.g., food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis).
Prior experience studying mast cells, mast cell progenitors, or other IL-9/IL-13-producing innate immune populations.
Experience with bone marrow reconstitution or adoptive transfer models.
Experience with RNA-seq sample preparation and/or bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic data.
Prior mentoring experience with junior trainees.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Please send cover letter, CV and references to Simon Hogan at [email protected]
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.