Post Doctoral Fellow in Autoimmunity and Transplantation

The Immunomodulation and Translational Research Program in the Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, is seeking 2 Postdoctoral Fellows to participate in federally-funded several projects developing immunomodulatory approaches with applications to transplantation (hematopoietic stem cells, pancreatic islets, and stem cell-derived beta cells), graft-versus-host diseases, and autoimmunity (with focus on Aplastic Anemia and Type 1 Diabetes). The program has developed various novel biologics and targeted delivery biomaterial platforms with demonstrated efficacy for immunomodulation in various settings (Immunity 2002; Nature Materials 2018; Biomaterials 2019; Science Advances 2020, 2022, Journal of Immunology 2020; American Journal of Transplantation 2023, Blood advances 2023).  Applicants must have extensive conceptual understanding and practical expertise in immunology, desirably rodent models of hematopoietic cell transplantation, GVHD, SC-derived beta cells, autoimmunity, or islet transplantation as well as strong microsurgical skills and hands-on expertise in immune cell functional assays.

Duties for Positions include:

• Differentiate embryonic stem cells to insulin producing beta cells (SC-beta cells).
• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to establish mixed chimerism with application to prevention of allografts (islet, solid organs), and prevention and treatment of aplastic anemia and type 1 diabetes.
• Perform immune cell functional assays, such as mixed lymphocytes reaction, deep immunophenotyping using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and performing islet transplantation.
• Participate in the generation and use of humanized mouse models to assess the efficacy of lead immunomodulatory protocols to prevent rejection of human islets or stem-cell-derived beta cells in humanized mice as preclude to clinical translation.
• Design and execute experiments, data collection, analysis, and preparation for publications and presentations at national/international meetings.
• Help in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.
• Perform other assigned duties on a needed basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D. or D.V.M. with a minimum of 3 years of basic laboratory experience and solid knowledge/experience in immunology.
• Technical expertise in tissue culture, flow cytometry, and rodent handling and manipulations, such as injections, tissue collections, blood draw. 
• Surgical skills with focus on pancreatic islet isolation and transplantation under kidney capsule or abdominal fat pad. Experience in solid organ transplantation is an added advantage.
• Expertise in cellular immunology, including immune cell proliferation.

Interested candidates should send their CV to Dr. Esma S. Yolcu Haval Shirwan at esma.yolcu@health.missouri.edu

or haval.shirwan@health.missouri.edu or Apply at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings using job opening 47654.

For more information about our program, please log onto: https://medicine.missouri.edu/faculty/haval-shirwan-phd

This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits