Postdoctoral Fellow - Coler Lab

There is strong evidence that underrepresentation is an important problem that the health research enterprise must address (see Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering). Fostering diversity by addressing underrepresentation in the research workforce is consistent with Seattle Children’s vision and values.

A fully supported Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the Coler Lab to characterize immune response of novel vaccines and immune pathology associated with tuberculosis and co-morbidities, as well as how the microbiome and associated ecological and evolutionary factors affect our immune response. Previous experience in cellular immunology is required. Additionally, we seek candidates with experience in bioinformatics and/or computational approaches to analyzing vaccine induced immune responses and the microbiome. This Postdoctoral position provides the time, funding, mentorship, experiences, and training necessary to foster the early career development of the next generation of researchers.

The postdoctoral fellow will receive funding, focused mentoring, experience and training in laboratory and preclinical settings and will develop expertise in the assessment of vaccine-mediated immune responses and systems immunology. A key aspect will include multiomic integration of several types of datasets, including genes, proteins, whole cells, and microbiome surveys to gain a clear, integrated understanding of vaccine function during infection and disease. The fellowship is designed to prepare the post-doctoral level trainee for a career in an academic or non-profit biotechnology multidisciplinary setting

Primary Responsibilities:

• Application of computational methods to complex biological systems
• Development of computational infrastructure for processing and analysis of next generation sequencing datasets, including isolate and metagenomic studies
• Extraction of nucleic acid from various biological sources and preparation of next generation sequencing libraries
• Normalization, integration, and analysis of datasets of multiple modalities
• Carry out technical procedural work including dosing (all major routes including intravenous) and collection procedures (blood, organs) with laboratory animal species with competency in mice
• Assessment of cellular, molecular, and computational immunological endpoints in preclinical projects, with an emphasis on multi-parameter flow cytometry.
• Contribute to study reports, statistical analysis plans and grant applications
• Work closely under supervision to implement research projects that further the understanding and development of effective vaccines
• Committed participation as a team member to support experimental design, developing immunoassay methodology following scientific literature review, quality standards and discussion with peers, as required
• Responsible for following Standard Operating Procedures
• Records procedures, outcomes and observations in lab notebook following established guidelines
• Utilize established mathematical and scientific techniques to compile, critically analyze and interpret data
• Communicate with research management on a regular basis
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals
• Presents research at group and internal/external scientific meetings

• Familiarity with current immunological or microbiological assays such as:  Flow cytometry, ELISpots, antibody neutralization, and ELISA.

• Extensive working knowledge with data analysis and graphing software such as FlowJo, Prism, and/or Jump

Please note: Funding for the position is limited to approximately three years.

Required Education and Experience
Doctorate degree (PhD/DVM/MD) in specialty area from an accredited university training program.
Experience using basic research techniques of specialty area.

Required Credentials
N/A.

Preferred

• Experience and technical skills in next-generation sequencing