Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The main goal of our research is to better understand the link between the immune and the central nervous systems. We are particularly focused on how CD8 T cells are activated in the central nervous system, and how we can translate this knowledge into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration and brain cancer.

Our latest work uncovered an unexpected role of CD8 T cells in a juvenile and slowly progressive form of the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 4 (ALS4), which is caused by a mutation in the gene SETX (Campisi et al., Nature 2022: https://lnkd.in/ebYuHvVX; Highlight in The Scientist: https://lnkd.in/eRWMrf4P).

We found that clonally expanded CD8 T cells of likely autoimmune origin are progressively activated in the central nervous system (CNS) and blood of patients and mice. In ALS4 mice, clonal expansion of CD8 T cells in the CNS correlates with disease progression. Interestingly, ALS4-associated CD8 T cells seem to play a role in resistance to glioma growth in mice.

Starting from these original results, our lab will further explore the role of CD8 T cells in the pathogenesis of ALS, in both humans and mice.

Techniques include, but are not limited to, molecular biology and cloning, T cell transduction, flow cytometry, imaging, in vitro and in vivo assays, behavioral tests, and RNA-sequencing.

This position independently performs complex research studies, experiments, and assays.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs complex analysis/projects according to research protocols, explaining methods and procedures to other technicians.
• Enters data and maintains current data files on research projects. Monitors data to ensure consistent quality.
• May perform preliminary statistical analysis of data.
• Assures compliance with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
• Ensures lab conditions and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained in accordance with established procedures.
• Assists in the training and development of technicians, acting as a group leader.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.
• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Setting (1 Year)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Washington University seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Animal Experiments, Communication, Laboratory Instrumentation, Recordkeeping, Software Program, Working Independently

Grade

R08-H

Salary Range

$18.77 - $31.94 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our