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Open Positions:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Mucosal Immunology & the Microbiome

Direct Supervisor:  Douglas S. Kwon, MD PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge:  PhD and/or MD with experience in immunology
Years experience required:  At least 3 years of doctoral research experience

Summary:
The Kwon Laboratory (www.kwonlab.org) at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has an opening for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study alterations in the microbiome that occur with HIV infection, following up on recent studies published by our group in ImmunityThe Lancet Infectious Diseases, and Cell Host and Microbe (see further details here).  This includes examination of the role of the microbiome in the female genital tract and gut and the impact of these changes on host mucosal immunity. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Kwon conducting patient-oriented translational research involving transcriptional and immunologic profiling of mucosal immune populations and the microbiome with the aim of generating new approaches to treat and prevent HIV infection using samples from well-characterized cohorts in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. The position will also involve the use of novel in vivo model system, such as germ-free and humanized mice.

Candidates will have ample opportunities to acquire and develop new skills, work closely with the PI and collaborators, and communicate results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment.  State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptional research setting.

Job Duties:
Under the direction of the principal investigator, the applicant will independently carry out activities performing laboratory research. Duties include:

  • Guide research projects through experimental design, conduct experiments, and analysis of data
  • Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work
  • Present data within and outside of the laboratory group at meetings and symposia
  • Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators
  • Mentor students and technicians
  • Maintain close communications with the PI regarding progress
  • Write, edit, and submit manuscripts/abstracts detailing the results of the project
  • Demonstrate integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork in all interactions

Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. and/or M.D. with relevant experience in immunology, murine models, and/or transcriptional profiling preferred
  • Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture
  • Prior work with murine models preferred
  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Exceptional organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
  • Strong oral and written communications skills
  • Must have good interpersonal skills
  • Occasional weekend or evening flexibility

Application information: The position is open immediately although the start date is flexible. Please submit a cover letter, CV, and references to Dr. Doug Kwon at dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries.  All applicants, including those from abroad, must be able to come to Cambridge, MA USA for an in-person interview.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Murine Models of Mucosal Immunology

Direct Supervisor:  Doug S. Kwon, MD PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Website: www.kwonlab.org

Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: PhD and/or MD with experience in immunology, microbiology and/or computational approaches
Years experience required: At least 3 years of doctoral research experience

Summary:
The Kwon Laboratory (www.kwonlab.org) at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has an opening for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study mechanistic links between the vaginal microbiome and adverse reproductive outcomes, following up on recent studies published by our group in Immunity, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and Cell Host and Microbe (see further details here).  This includes examination of the role of the vaginal microbiome that impact host mucosal immunity and HIV acquisition risk. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Kwon conducting patient-oriented translational research using samples from well characterized cohorts in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa involving transcriptional and immunologic profiling of mucosal immune populations and the microbiome using novel technologies, with the aim of generating new approaches to treat and prevent HIV infections. This includes the use of novel murine models to perform mechanistic studies of the role of mucosal immunity in the female genital tract on HIV susceptibility.

Candidates will have ample opportunities to acquire and develop new skills, work closely with the PI and collaborators, and communicate results to the scientific community through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment.  State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptional research setting.

Job Duties: Under the direction of the principal investigator, the applicant will independently carry out activities performing laboratory research. Duties include:

  • Guide research projects through experimental design, conduct of experiments, and analysis of data
  • Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work
  • Present data within and outside of the laboratory group at meetings and symposia
  • Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators
  • Mentor students and technicians
  • Maintain close communications with the PI regarding progress
  • Write, edit, and submit manuscripts/abstracts detailing the results of the project
  • Demonstrate integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork in all interactions

Ideal Qualifications:

  • A Ph.D. and/or M.D. with relevant experience in immunology and mouse work preferred
  • Experience with flow cytometry, cell culture
  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Exceptional organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
  • Strong oral and written communications skills
  • Must have good interpersonal skills
  • Prior work with murine models

Application information: The position is open immediately although the start date is flexible. Please submit a cover letter, CV, and references to Dr. Doug Kwon at dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries. All applicants, including those from abroad, must be able to come to Cambridge, MA USA for an in-person interview.

Research Technologist

Direct Supervisor:  Doug S. Kwon, MD PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Website: www.kwonlab.org

Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
Years experience required: 4+ years work in a scientific laboratory required

Summary:

The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technologist to study the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and the human microbiome at mucosal tissue sites, including the female reproductive tract. The overall goal is to conduct human translational research to help reduce the spread of HIV, particularly among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Kwon conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies. The position will involve handling and processing of tissue and blood samples, performance of anaerobic bacteriology, immunologic assays, nucleic acid extractions, PCR, next-generation sequencing, and utilizing novel assays to study mucosal immune responses to HIV and mucosal bacteria. The position will also involve general lab organization and assistance with lab logistics.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in scientific research or medicine while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. The lab studies samples from ongoing clinical cohorts based in the US and South Africa examining the risk of HIV, HIV pathogenesis, and other adverse reproductive outcomes. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

Job Duties: Under the direction of the principal investigator, the applicant will independently carry out activities performing laboratory research. Duties include:

  • Perform experiments analyzing microbial and tissue samples from human subjects, assessing the impact of the HIV infection and microbiome on health
  • Perform and assist with experiments involving bacteriology, immunologic assays, microscopy, flow cytometry and molecular biology
  • Analyze data and present findings to others
  • Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work
  • Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components
  • Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators
  • Maintain close communications with PI regarding progress
  • Help support lab organization and logistics

Ideal Qualifications:

  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment, seeking a long term position
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Experience with bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing strongly preferred
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Laboratory experience required
  • Flexibility to occasionally work evenings or weekends
  • Experience with next generation sequencing, cell culture strongly preferred
  • Computer experience including expertise with Microsoft Office programs is essential
  • Experience with R is preferred but not essential

Application information:

Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Doug Kwon (dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu). Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries.

Intestinal Tract Research Technician

Direct Supervisor:  Doug S. Kwon, MD PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Website: www.kwonlab.org

Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, cell, and molecular biology, computational biology, or similar required.

Years of experience required:

New graduates with some lab experience (via coursework, internships, etc.) will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.

Summary:

The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technician to study the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and the human microbiome in the intestinal tract. The overall goal is to conduct translational research to help improve the health of those infected with HIV. The person hired will work under the supervision of Drs. Doug Kwon and Upasana Das Adhikari conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies. The position will involve handling and processing of tissue and blood samples and utilizing novel assays to study the interaction of intestinal epithelial cells with tissue resident immune cells and commensal bacteria. The project includes transcriptional profiling of isolated cell populations, characterization of immunometabolic dysfunction in the human gut, immunofluorescent microscopy, working with mini-gut organoid model systems, and cellular functional assays.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in scientific research or medicine while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

Job Duties:

  • Maintain organoids and produce organoid growth-conditioned media
  • Perform experiments analyzing blood and tissue samples from human subjects, assessing the impact of the HIV infection on tissue-resident T cells and their interaction with intestinal epithelial stem cells.
  • Assist with animal handling, genotyping, and generation of transgenic mouse models
  • Perform and assist with experiments involving next-generation sequencing, immunologic assays, microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culture, and molecular biology.
  • Analyze data and present findings to others.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work.
  • Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components.
  • Read and interpret current literature to aid in experimental design.
  • Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators.
  • Maintain close communications with supervisors regarding progress.

Qualifications:

  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Laboratory experience required
  • Computer experience including expertise with Microsoft Office programs is essential
  • Experience with anaerobic microbiology is highly preferred
  • Experience with R and python is highly preferred
  • Flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends if needed

Application information:  Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Doug Kwon (dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu). Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries.

FGT Research Technician

Direct Supervisor:  Doug S. Kwon, MD PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Website: www.kwonlab.org

Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, computational biology, biological engineering, ecology, or similar required.

Years of experience required:

New graduates with some lab experience (via coursework, internships, etc.) will be considered for the Research Technician I position outlined above.

Summary:

The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a highly motivated Research Technician to study the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection and the human microbiome at mucosal tissue sites in the female genital tract. The overall goal is to conduct translational research to help reduce the spread of HIV, particularly among young women in sub-Saharan Africa. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Doug Kwon and Dr. Ben Read conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies. The position will primarily involve single cell and bulk RNA sequencing, CRISPR-based assay design, and in vitro methods to study mucosal immune responses against HIV.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in scientific research or medicine while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment. The lab studies samples from ongoing clinical cohorts based in the US and South Africa examining risk of HIV, HIV pathogenesis, and other adverse reproductive outcomes. State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

Job Duties:

  • Perform and assist with experiments involving next generation sequencing, molecular biology, immunologic assays, microscopy, and flow cytometry to assess the impact of HIV infection on the cervicovaginal mucosa.
  • Design and perform CRISPR-based assays for the detection of bacterial species within the female genital tract.
  • Analyze data and present findings to others.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of the experimental work.
  • Ensure quality control of equipment, reagents and cellular components.
  • Read and interpret current literature to aid in experimental design.
  • Work closely within the group and with outside collaborators.

Qualifications:

  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Laboratory experience required
  • Computer experience including expertise with Microsoft Office programs is essential
  • Experience with immunology and mouse work preferred
  • Experience with R, Python, and/or command line interface is preferred
  • Flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends if needed

Application information:  Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Doug Kwon (dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu). Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries.

Bioinformatics Research Technician

Direct Supervisor:  Doug S. Kwon, MD PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine
Email: dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu
Phone: (857) 268-7009
Website: www.kwonlab.org

Employing Hospital and Department: Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge:

BS/BA/BEng

Years of experience required:

Prior classwork in computing and/or computational biology experience

Summary:

The Kwon Laboratory at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (www.kwonlab.org) has an opening for a Bioinformatics Research Technician to aid in analyzing shotgun and rRNA 16S metagenomic data, as well as human transcriptomic data. The person hired will work conducting patient-oriented translational research involving cutting-edge technologies studying the interaction between microbial strains and the human mucosal immune system. We are a results-oriented group of highly motivated scientists from the fields of immunology, virology, genetics, microbiology, and technology development who perform translational research to treat and prevent HIV and other human diseases. At every level, we value intelligence, teamwork, dedication and creativity, and we’re always looking for people with those skills who thrive in team and dynamic environments.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

Job Duties:

  • Analyze data from high-throughput, sequencing projects related to studying the microbiome, including 16s amplicon sequencing data analysis
  • Perform data visualization using R
  • Process raw data using command line tools
  • Train other lab members on commonly used bioinformatics applications
  • Assist in the development of bioinformatics workflows to automate frequently used analytical procedures
  • Provide summary reports of workflow outputs
  • Maintain detailed documentation of workflows and well-annotated scripts
  • Be an active member of the Kwon lab, including participating in meetings and regularly presenting results.

Qualifications:

Essential skills

  • Prior programming experience in Python, R and/or other scripting languages
  •  Ability to reason about analysis and visualization of complex data sets and to communicate data in a clear and concise manner
  • Ability to install and execute software from the Linux command line
  • Ability to construct, document and execute analytical workflows

Desirable skills

  • Experience using GitHub
  • Proficiency in Python, R, and/or other scripting languages
  • An understanding of statistical modeling

Soft skills

  • Strong analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • Highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic team environment
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and time management

Application information:  Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Dr. Doug Kwon (dkwon@mgh.harvard.edu). Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we may not be able to reply individually to all inquiries.