GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technician to study the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and the human microbiome in the intestinal tract. The overall goal is to conduct translational research to help improve the health of those infected with HIV. The person hired will work under the supervision of Drs. Doug Kwon and Upasana Das Adhikari conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies. The position will involve handling and processing of tissue and blood samples and utilizing novel assays to study the interaction of intestinal epithelial cells with tissue-resident immune cells and commensal bacteria. The project includes transcriptional profiling of isolated cell populations, characterization of immunometabolic dysfunction in the human gut, immunofluorescent microscopy, working with mini-gut organoid model systems, and cellular functional assays.
This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in scientific research or medicine while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.
The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Maintain organoids and produce organoid growth-conditioned media
• Perform experiments analyzing blood and tissue samples from human subjects, assessing the impact of the HIV infection on tissue-resident T cells and their interaction with intestinal epithelial stem cells.
• Assist with animal handling, genotyping, and generation of transgenic mouse models
• Perform and assist with experiments involving next-generation sequencing, immunologic assays, microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology.
• Analyze data and present findings to others.
• Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work.
• Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components.
• Read and interpret current literature to aid in experimental design.
• Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators.
• Maintain close communications with supervisors regarding progress.
