Research Scientist - Elsner Lab

The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Immunology, is seeking a full-time Research Scientist to support newly funded research programs. The Elsner lab investigates immune responses during infection and autoimmune disease, focusing primarily on B cell responses (see Elsner et al Nature Immunology 2024; Sanz, Nature Immunology 2024; Elsner and Shlomchik, Immunity 2020; Elsner and Shlomchik, Immunological Reviews 2025).

This is a lead scientist position to execute and coordinate the development and integration of diverse lines of study in the Elsner lab. The incumbent in this position will spearhead a novel line of interdisciplinary study relating findings from immune models of protein immunization, infection, and autoimmunity.

The incumbent must possess investigator leadership skills, self-direction, ability to coordinate complex processes, and to communicate the processes, experiments and results, and prepare them for presentation in seminars and in scientific journals. This entails executing major aspects of the project including development, validation and characterization of multiple novel transgenic mice, design and execution of technically complex experiments, data interpretation/presentation, and preparation of scientific publications. Must have extensive experience with a wide variety of experimental techniques related to the field of immunology, including manipulation and transfer of rare cell populations, flow cytometry, CRISP/Cas9 genome editing, cell culture, and PCR. Experience in DNA/RNA extraction and cloning is desirable. Must have experience in preparing samples for RNA sequencing. Basic bioinformatic analysis experience is desirable, and this position includes opportunities to expand on these skill sets though integrating single cell multiome and spatial sequencing analysis. The incumbent must be able to work both independently and interact and coordinate with key students, postdocs and faculty who are working on the projects.

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

1. Perform independent laboratory work and experiments, including analysis and interpretation of murine and human cell culture experiments. These will involve cell isolation from organs, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, ELISA/ELISpot, cell sorting, short-term cell culture, single cell RNA and multiome sequencing.

2. Prepares and interprets data for presentation to the group, publications, and grants.

3. Assist with training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the lab. Ensures adherence to lab standards and protocols.

4. Contributes as needed to writing grant proposals and manuscripts, performs literature searches.

5. Oversee research safety and compliance policies and protocols, including but not limited to IACUC, EH&S, and MTAs.

6. Oversee Research Technicians in mouse colony management, breeding, genotyping, and record-keeping.

Maintain and order supplies as needed. Manages equipment maintenance, service appointments, and service contracts.

Minimal Physical Effort