Scientist I

The Department of Biomolecular Chemistry is a part of the School of Medicine and Public Health. Its research focuses on understanding the molecular underpinnings of biological processes, particularly as it relates to human disease. Research in the department spans a broad range of questions and methodologies, including DNA replication, chromatin structure, gene expression, protein and membrane trafficking, cell signaling and metabolism, cancer, embryogenesis, and pathogenesis. The department is housed within the Hector Deluca Biochemical Sciences complex, a state-of-the-art research and instructional complex located on Henry Mall, and has a reputation for carrying out federally funded, high level, competitive biomedical research. Visit https://bmolchem.wisc.edu/ to learn more.

The Engin Laboratory within the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (BMC) is focused on understanding how cellular stress response and organelle dysfunction plays a role in beta cell physiology and pathology. Current projects involve studying molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in pancreatic beta cells in autoimmune diabetes, ER-mitochondria communication, lysosome dysfunction, cellular senescence and the crosstalk between stressed beta cells and immune cells. The work involves working with the beta cell or immune cell-specific mouse models of the unfolded protein response pathway and mechanistic studies using cell culture (primary mouse and human islets), biochemical and immunological assays (Engin et al., Sci Transl Med 2013, Lee et al, Cell Metab 2020, Chen, et al., Nat Comm 2022). More information about our research and publications can be found at enginlab.org.

The Research Scientist will play key roles in identifying research problems and developing research methodologies and procedures, implementing in vitro and in vivo experiments and training students. The Scientist will work on understanding the endoplasmic reticulum stress in beta cells of genetically engineered mouse and human islets. ER-mitochondria crosstalk and senescence will also be investigated in these models. Beta cell-immune cell communication and well as immune cell cellular stress responses are also the research areas that the lab works on. Hence, combination on of in vivo and ex vivo studies, single cell analysis of these systems as well as multidisciplinary approaches are routinely used in the lab.

Candidates should have demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative manner with faculty and staff, as well as other institutional representatives; strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills in English; high levels of critical thinking, excellent technical skills, and a strong track-record of accomplishment and productivity in research as evidenced by high-quality publications related to physiology, immunology, metabolism, cell signaling/signal transduction and disease mechanisms.

• 5% Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• 70% Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• 10% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• 5% Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• 5% Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• 5% Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
PhD in biology, biochemistry, or other closely related field required by application date

- 3 years minimum of post-doctoral research experience in molecular biology, cell or organelle biology, or immunology in an academic or similar research environment is required.
- Demonstrated potential for excellence in of these fields is highly desired: Senescence, stress responses, immune diseases, organelle biology, cell heterogeneity.
- Prior experience on working with mouse models is required.
- Productivity evidenced by at least 2 first-author papers or preprints in the last 5 years is required.
- Expertise in two or more of following skills/techniques is highly desired:
* Pancreas biology: Islet isolation, human islet culturing and experimenting, islet histomorphometry.
* Immunology: Multicolor FACS analysis, FlowJo analysis, adoptive transfers.
* Prior experience on handling large data sets and bioinformatic analysis

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $60,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience. You will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor during the application process. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Feyza Engin
fengin@wisc.edu
608-262-8667
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Scientist I(RE043)

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/BIOMOLEC CHEM/BIOMOL CHM

Academic Staff-Renewable

309439-AS