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 researchers, 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. VBRI’s proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens’ 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 will start, 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, further develops and expands understanding of scientific theory in his/her area of interest. Incumbent also learns and applies scientific laboratory techniques and gains experience in other areas of research that will lead to increased probability of success as an independent scientist. This is a training position with an expected duration of 1 – 3 years. The DIMENSIONS section is used only on position descriptions for supervisors, managers, or vice presidents.

Dr. Joshua Muia’s research interests include Metalloproteases (mainly the ADAMTS family) that are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, ADAMTS13 testing in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP), and the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in thrombotic/bleeding disorders. Dr. Muia is also interested in developing and optimizing fluorogenic substrates for enzymes of clinical significance. The major projects being pursued are: 

• Structural and Functional Studies of ADAMTS13
• Vascular Biology and Pathophysiology of von Willebrand factor
• Role of Proatherogenic Metalloprotease ADAMTS7 in Coronary Artery Disease
• Clinical trials: TTP, Sepsis, and Von Willebrand disease

• MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES * Works with Principal Investigator to develop a research project. * Executes laboratory experiments specific to aims of research. * Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions. * Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan. * Provides direction to Technologists and Trainees. * Generates clear and complete records of experimental work. * Communicates results of research at meetings. * Participates in publication and presentation of research.
• GENERAL DUTIES * Adheres to BCW, Bio-safety, NRC, OSHA procedures and regulations. * Attends required laboratory meetings. * Maintains currency with information relative to the field of research being performed. * Serves as a resource for techniques, information, instrumentation, interpretation of data, etc. for laboratory personnel * May be expected to help direct the work of Research Technologists. * Operates, calibrates and performs routine maintenance on specialized research equipment. * Prepares solutions, reagents, media or stains necessary for experimental procedures. * May maintain or oversee maintenance of inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment. * May prepare and/or authorize requisitions for ordering supplies and equipment. * Performs other laboratory duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Education

• PhD required
• equivalent degree required

Experience

• 0 – 6 years of postdoctoral training required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the structure and execution of research experiments. required
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed. required
• Ability to perform research procedures independently. required
• Immediate proficiency in basic and sophisticated experimental tests and procedures. required
• Exceptional organizational skills. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Excellent problem solving skills. required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines. required
• Computer literate with an emphasis on graphics, graphing, data management, and statistical applications required

Tools and Technology

• Specialized research equipment required
• Personal computer required

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