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Postdoctoral Fellow – Aryl hydrocarbon receptor

About the Wyss:

The mission of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University is to transform human healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. Developed as an alliance between Harvard and other premier academic and clinical partner institutions, Institute faculty and staff collaborate in high-risk, fundamental research and science-driven technology development. A major focus of the Institute is to translate the technologies developed by its faculty and staff into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators and establishment of corporate alliances. For more information, discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

Role Description:

Postdoctoral research fellowship to study the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in mediating tissue homeostasis and repair, relevant to the development and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and atherosclerosis, as well as cancer immunity. The project will focus on the evaluation of AHR as a modulator of immune and inflammatory mediated disorders, protein interaction networks, cell metabolism, and tissue repair using animal models and organoid assay systems (Science Advances 2020; 6:eaay8230). The candidate is expected to closely interact with an interdisciplinary team of immunologists, medicinal chemists, pathologists, and biomedical engineers. PhD in molecular or cell biology, immunology, biomedical engineering or related discipline required.

What you’ll do:

  • Integrate knowledge from immunology, protein interaction networks and cell metabolism to identify immune mediated approaches that promote tissue repair.
  • Initiate and direct experiments that utilize murine models and other organoid models.
  • Integrate knowledge from immunology, protein interaction networks, cell metabolism, molecular and cell biology, to define underlying mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, or cancer immunity.
  • Apply a variety of in vitro tools, including organoid assays and conduct molecular and cellular bioassays, flow cytometry, as well as other assay systems.

 What you’ll need:

  • Requires a Ph.D. in immunology, biological and biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering or related discipline.
  • Collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary team to efficiently pursue novel strategies that support the discovery of immune modulators for tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Experience in cell and molecular biology, flow cytometry, other complex bioassays, as well as in vivo studies using mouse models.
  • Must be an energetic, out-of-box thinker with positive attitude. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, as is the desire and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts. Demonstrated success as exemplified by peer-reviewed publications, scientific creativity, and independent thought.

Where you can apply:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and the names of three references to Elliott L. Chaikof, MD, PhD, Johnson and Johnson Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, echaikof@bidmc.harvard.edu

The Chaikof lab is located in the Center for Life Sciences (CLS) Building in the Longwood medical area, directly adjacent to Harvard Medical School. CLS 11090, 3 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115.

Working Conditions:

Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

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