Positions available

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Open as of 2/24/2023:

The Irvine Lab seeks to engineer immunity to cancer and infectious disease through a fusion of immunology with biotechnology and materials chemistry, creating new therapies based on the controlled modulation of the immune system. The lab’s work toward this goal divides into three complementary themes, all focused on adapting engineering principles to enhance the ability of the immune system to prevent and treat human disease. The Irvine Lab provides scientific and career mentorship to advance professional growth and believes that diversity fuels creativity and strives to empower all to express their identity and contribute their talent.  

SENIOR RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE (Link: Job #22421)
DESCRIPTION: To support ongoing immunoengineering research for the development of cancer immunotherapy and HIV vaccines. Will work under supervision of a senior lab member and provide technical assistance with immunoengineering projects. Responsibilities will include supporting studies in mice, including animal handling, injections, tumor monitoring, non-invasive imaging, necropsies, and the preparation of flow cytometry samples; helping with the preparation and testing of RNA-based vaccines, mammalian cell culture, antibody, and cytokine ELISAs; and attending lab meetings. Significant contributions will be appropriately recognized by authorship on subsequent publications.

REQUIRED:  High school diploma or its equivalent; exposure to a research lab; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; comfort working with animals and analyzing, summarizing, and reporting results to researchers; demonstrated commitment to exceeding quality standards, providing exceptional services, and producing accurate and high-quality work; meticulous attention to detail; practiced documentation skills; and awareness of and ability to follow basic safety procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
PREFERRED: undergraduate degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related area; and experience with murine animal models or fields related to immunology. 

RESEARCH SPECIALIST (Link: Job #22422)
DESCRIPTION: To assist with animal experiments and protein production and support the daily operations of a research laboratory. Will work as part of multidisciplinary team of scientists working to engineer the immune system to fight cancer and to develop HIV vaccines. Responsibilities include assisting lab members with primary research as needed to explore new ideas or help bring ongoing projects to publication; performing animal experiments (colony maintenance, bleeding, injections, tumor inoculation and monitoring, non-invasive imaging, necropsies, tissue harvesting and processing); helping with producing, purifying, and characterizing recombinant proteins; managing lab space allocation; assisting with maintenance of equipment/inventory and research space, laboratory documentation, and record-keeping; coordinating shipment and receipt of material for scientific collaborations; and serving as a liaison with building facilities and as environmental health and safety officer. Will report to a research scientist and the principal investigator. Please note that this is not an independent research position.

REQUIRED:  Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or related technical discipline; at least four years of relevant specialized experience in a research/development laboratory; excellent organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and record-keeping skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a laboratory setting and support a workplace that embraces teamwork and inclusivity; strong leadership and managerial skills; proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Drive; verbal communication and presentation skills; and attention to detail. Must be able to respond to laboratory emergencies outside of regular work hours, including occasional weekends and holidays.
PREFERRED: a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related field and experience with animal work and protein expression in mammalian cells and HPLC.  A three-year commitment is preferred.