The Joag Lab studies tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells (Trm) which stand guard in our airways, lungs, and other mucosal tissues. We want to know how these sentinels change from childhood to adulthood, and how those changes shape our protection against respiratory infections. We are also turning T cells into tools: in fibrotic diseases, where scarred tissue shuts out antibodies and other therapies, we are exploring how T cells can open the door and help treatments reach their targets. The Joag lab was established in 2025, and this position offers the chance to shape lab trajectory and culture from the ground up.
Position summary
We are seeking a Research Scientist Level II to provide scientific leadership and technical execution of in vivo projects in lung fibrosis and T cell immunity against influenza. The position will involve in vivo mouse experiments, including viral infection models, bleomycin administration, in vivo lung-function testing (Flexivent), tissue extraction and enzymatic processing, flow cytometric analysis, and bioinformatics analysis. This person will have substantial experience in Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology or related field and will help train and support other lab members.
Responsibilities
Plan and perform mouse infection experiments with respiratory and other viral pathogens, bleomycin administration (o.p. route) under ABSL-2 conditions
Administer substances via multiple routes, including oropharyngeal, intranasal, intravenous (tail vein), and intraperitoneal
Perform mouse dissections, extraction of various mucosal tissues, BAL, lymph nodes, lung perfusion, and lung function testing using Flexivent instrument
Carry out enzymatic and mechanical tissue digestion to generate single-cell suspensions
Plan and execute single-cell RNA sequencing experiments
Design, run, and analyze multiparameter flow cytometry experiments, including panel design, compensation, data analysis (e.g., FlowJo, Prism); FACS cell sorting
Ensure compliance with IACUC protocols, biosafety requirements, and institutional policies
Keep detailed, organized online laboratory records and maintain reagent and sample inventories
Present data at lab meetings and contribute to manuscripts and grant preparation
Train and support other lab members
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology or related scientific discipline; may require a Master’s Degree for certain lab specialties.
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a related area/laboratory setting.
Required Credentials
N/A.
Preferred
Masters or PhD in Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology or related scientific discipline.
Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry, cell sorting, and data analysis
mouse handling, and substance administration via various routes. Must be able to perform these tasks independently
ability to focus during long in vivo mouse experiments, tissue digests, flow cytometry and complex experimental planning
strong commitment to excellence, resilience, and good communication
Design experiments in collaboration with PI
Background in immunology, cell and molecular biology, or related field
Experience with ABSL-2 and BSL-2 work
Additional experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
Transcriptomic and/or genomic data analysis using R, Python, or related tools
Advanced immunofluorescence microscopy
Computational image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji, Python, Imaris or related tools
Personal qualities
Strong work ethic and commitment to rigorous, reproducible science
Exceptional attention to detail during all aspects of experimental work: design, execution, analysis, and record keeping
Highly organized, able to manage multiple time-sensitive experiments at once
Excellent and regular written and verbal communication with PI and other lab members
Professional, respectful, and collaborative with colleagues at all levels
maintain shared work calendar with lab members
Compensation Range
$32.87 - $49.31…