Postdoctoral Fellow - Wen Lab - Immunology

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical investigators, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders.

The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non‑profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical‑translational research hub. Its proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building began, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10‑15 new faculty.

With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans, and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Under the direction of a Principal Investigator, the incumbent will further develop and expand understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. The position is a training role expected to last 1‑3 years, where the research assistant learns and applies laboratory techniques while gaining experience in other areas of research that enhance the probability of success as an independent scientist.

The Wen Lab has two interrelated research focuses. First, it studies the signaling pathways that govern proper B and T cell activation and communication, and how aberrant signaling in these cells leads to human disease. The lab investigates molecules such as phospholipase C gamma (PLCg), B‑cell lymphoma 10 (Bcl
10), and Grb2‑associated binding (Gab) proteins within antigen‑receptor and cytokine signaling pathways to understand how altered functions cause lymphopenia and autoimmunity.

The second focus explores the interplay between the immune and coagulation systems in health and disease. Current work examines how antibodies regulate platelet function and other coagulation cells, and investigates the prevalence, ontogeny, and activation of host B cells that produce these antibodies in healthy individuals and patients with heparin‑induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT) and COVID-19. Studies employ human and mouse models using biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, aiming to understand the molecular pathogenesis underlying antibody‑mediated thrombotic complications and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.

Versiti provides a comprehensive benefits package based on job classification. Full‑time regular employees are eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays, Short‑ and Long‑term disability, life insurance, a 7% match, 401(k), voluntary programs, discount programs, and others.

• Develop a research project in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Execute laboratory experiments specific to the research aims.
• Troubleshoot assays and customize experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinate external and internal resources necessary for completion of the research plan.
• Provide direction to technologists and trainees.
• Generate clear and complete records of experimental work.
• Communicate research results at meetings.
• Participate in publication and presentation of research.

• Adhere to BCW, biosafety, NRC, and OSHA procedures and regulations.
• Attend required laboratory meetings.
• Maintain currency with information related to the field of research.
• Serve as a resource for techniques, information, instrumentation, and…