Research Assistant | Laboratory of Mucusal Immunology

Organization Overview

The intestine is continuously exposed to dietary and microbial antigens, requiring the immune system to balance tolerance to harmless stimuli with protective immunity against pathogens and cancer. Our research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern immune homeostasis in the gut, using a combination of mouse models, human samples, and modern immunological approaches. We study how the intestine generates protective responses against invading pathogens while absorbing beneficial microbe‑ and food‑derived molecules.

Several cellular and molecular mechanisms exist to ensure robust tolerance induction in the mucosal surfaces, and disruption of such processes often leads to severe chronic inflammatory pathologies such as colitis, Celiac disease, food allergies, and colorectal cancer.

We seek to understand how immunity at the intestinal are generated and how they can contribute to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis while protecting us from invading pathogens and cancer.

• Microbiota Immunity:
  Mechanisms that regulate immune tolerance and immune responses to commensal microorganisms in the intestine.
• Food Antigen Immunity:
  Pathways underlying immune tolerance to dietary antigens while preserving host defense.
• Cancer Immunity:
  Roles of intestinal immune cells in colorectal cancer development and progression, including anti- and pro‑tumor immune programs.

We are seeking a highly motivated post-baccalaureate Research Assistant to join our laboratory studying adaptive immune responses at the intestinal mucosa.

• Conduct laboratory experiments using mouse models and intestinal tissues to study adaptive immune responses in the gut, applying immunological and molecular techniques such as flow cytometry, RNA sequencing preparation, cell culture, bacterial culture, ELISA, immunoblotting, and PCR-based methods.
• Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including animal handling, monitoring health and breeding, genotyping, recordkeeping, and ensuring compliance with institutional animal care and use protocols.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data; prepare figures, summaries, and reports for lab meetings, presentations, and research discussions.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records and documentation in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Prepare, aliquot, label, and maintain laboratory reagents and supplies; operate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Collaborate with researchers to design and execute experiments.
• Stay up to date with relevant scientific literature.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned or requested.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, or a related field.
• Interest in immunology, mucosal biology, or cancer biology.
• This position is intended for post-baccalaureate candidates.
• Must have basic previous laboratory training in biological or biomedical research techniques.
• Willingness and ability to work with laboratory animal and biological specimens.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Accurate recordkeeping ability.
• Proficient in using laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Prior hands‑on experience working with animal models.
• Experience with immunological techniques such as flow cytometry, ELISA, or immunoblotting.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, RNA/DNA extraction, or cloning.
• Familiarity with mammalian or bacterial cell culture, including anaerobic culture techniques.
• Experience with data analysis.

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

Min: USD $50,000.00/ Yr.

Max: USD $55,000.00/ Yr.