Assistant Project Scientist - Immunology and Microbiology - Barton Lab - Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Project Scientist in the Barton Lab, in the areas of immunology and microbiology.

The Barton lab is an academic research lab investigating how the immune system functions. Our work sheds light on mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases. We are part of the Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.

This position will focus on analyzing T cell responses to specific members of the microbiota in mice, using gnotobiotic mouse systems developed by the PI lab. Single cell RNA-Seq datasets of mucosal T cells have been generated, with paired T cell receptor (TCR) gene sequences acquired in parallel. The goal of this position will be to screen reactivity of TCRs from such datasets, using T cell hybridoma assays. In addition, microbiota-reactive T cells will be further analyzed to determine which microbiota-derived peptides are recognized. The ultimate goal will be to generate MHC tetramers to track endogenous T cells with similar specificities and to determine the differentiation state of those cells.

The duties of the position include:

*Isolating and analyzing immune cells from mouse tissues

*Carrying out high-parameter flow cytometric analysis of immune cells (including spectral flow cytometry)

*Acquiring and analyzing single-cell RNA-Seq datasets from immune cells

*Analyzing T cell receptor sequences and assembling TCR sequences into expression vectors

*Culturing T cell hybridomas and carrying out stimulation assays with antigen presenting cells

*Troubleshooting assays and developing new assays

*Mentoring more junior lab members, including technicians and undergraduate students

*Analysis of data, organization of data, preparation of figures

*Writing manuscripts

*Pursuing additional funding opportunities consistent with existing and future research programs and goals

This position provides full benefits.

Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

Lab: https://bartonlab.berkeley.edu/

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

*PhD or equivalent international degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, or Microbial Pathogenesis.

*Publication record in peer-reviewed journals of research relevant to the job duties

*Experience publishing lead author primary research in peer-reviewed journals.

*Experience collaborating with other scientists

* Self-motivated, interactive, and meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

*Expertise in basic molecular biology techniques, including Gibson assembly and equivalent technologies

*Expertise in culturing T cells and T cell hybridomas; experience with assays of T cell function

*Experience performing cellular analyses of immune cells isolated from mouse tissues, especially mucosal tissues.

*Experience with Flow Cytometry, for both analysis and sorting of cells, preferably using both conventional and full spectral instruments.

*Experience with analysis of sequencing datasets (e.g., 16S) to measure microbiome identity and complexity

*Experience managing and maintaining germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse colonies

*Experience with single-cell RNA-Seq data acquisition and analysis

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

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• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
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