Autoimmunity Discovery Project Lead
Applications Close : 07 February 2023
Job Description
About QIMR Berghofer:
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading translational medical research institute focused on improving health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies, specifically in the areas of Cancer, Infection and Inflammation, Mental Health and Neuroscience, and Population Health. Based in Herston, Brisbane and working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, QIMR Berghofer is home to more than 600 scientists, students and non-research staff.
About B-lymphocytes in autoimmunity and malignancies Laboratory:
The B-lymphocytes in Autoimmunity and Malignancies Lab studies the immunobiology of B-lymphocytes, particularly the B cell survival factors BAFF and APRIL and their receptors BAFF-R, TACI and 2 BCMA. We have shown that these ligand-receptor interactions underlie the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease lupus and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We are currently developing novel therapeutic antibodies and small molecules for the treatment of lupus and CLL.
The focus of the laboratory has evolved to study the impact of gut health on autoimmunity. Immune tolerance is the mechanism stopping the development and activation of harmful self-reactive lymphocytes capable of attacking a person’s healthy tissues. Reasons why Immune tolerance fails in patients with autoimmune diseases are still not well understood. We have emerging evidence suggesting that gut health is a key factor preserving immune tolerance. Finding ways to promote immune tolerance in patients suffering from autoimmune conditions is an exciting opportunity offered here with this new position.
Another research area of the lab is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL), a blood cancer caused by the clonal expansion of mature B cells. Patients with CLL show severe systemic immunodeficiency that results in death in a quarter of CLL patients despite therapeutic intervention. Our lab has shown that CLL cells rely on BAFF/APRIL to suppress the immune system through IL-10 production. We aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that will be able to restore patient immune function in CLL and halt CLL progression. Hence, the lab is developing a therapeutic antibody against CLL which would not compromise the host’s protective immunity. In an attempt to identify a novel therapeutic target for CLL, we have identified that a fat-rich diet halts CLL progression. We are now investigating the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying this protection against CLL.
Role Purpose / Responsibilities:
- Lead the Autoimmunity Discovery Research project under the guidance of Professor Fabienne Mackay
- Be focused on a limited but prioritised research goals and have a clear working plan aimed at validating clearly articulated scientific hypotheses.
- Contribute with new ideas/concepts and introduce/optimise new techniques, or upskill learning new techniques
- Participate in scientific discussions during lab meetings, seminars at the institute and other relevant workshops
- Prepare high quality presentation; Write high quality manuscripts and have excellent communication skills
- Observe the highest standards of research integrity and produce high quality research data backed by well-archived and easily accessible primary data.
- Have excellent lab book/record keeping practices and transition to a new electronic laboratory notebook when in place.
- Monitor laboratory activities to ensure compliance with the Institute’s ethical and biosafety requirements prior to starting any work.
- Conduct his/her own research project as determined with group leader funding the work
Required Skills
The role calls for the following skills:
- Have a PhD in Immunology and at least 3-5 years’ experience in Immunology
- Effective project management skills, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget planning; including strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and manage multiple competing tasks and projects with specified time frames
- Ability to work independently, high levels of self-motivation and initiative, meticulous attention to detail and ability to work effectively within a team
- High level of analytical and problem-solving skills
- Computer literacy with MS Office programs (Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, Prism)
- Experience in rigorous experimental design with proper controls and statistical power
- Experience in cell culture, in particular lymphocytes and leukocytes from primary and secondary mouse lymphoid organs and blood
- Experience in histology and imaging
- Experience in animal models of immune diseases; bone marrow chimeras ; breeding, genotyping, animal handling and monitoring
- Experience in in vitro and in vivo functional immunology, T cell, B cell, innate and antigen-presenting cell functions.
Remuneration:
Salary range is $88,849 to $ 95,329 p.a.* plus super and salary packaging. This is a full-time appointment for 3 years with possibility of extension subject to meeting satisfactory performance.
To submit an application: please go to the QIMR Career page https://qimrberghofer.turborecruit.com.au/job/job_search_result.cfm
All applicants must supply a Resume and Cover letter addressing the criteria.
For further information: Please contact Prof Fabienne Mackay at [email protected]
Closing Date: 7 February 2023
What we offer:
- Salary Packaging
- Bonus Superannuation
- State of the art facilities
- Stimulating work setting focussed on cutting edge medical research
- Supportive/collaborative team environment
For further details contact
Fabienne Mackay
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 3362 0203
