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. 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 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

Develops, improves, and implements laboratory techniques and performs complex experiments or tests to contribute to the timely and accurate completion of the research project(s).

The Pradhan-Sundd Lab has research interests in the following areas:

The role of hemolysis in sickle cell disease organ injury:
Hemolysis is a key characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD) that contributes to the disease pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity. In SCD, cell free hemoglobin and its byproducts (heme and iron) cause vasculopathy as well as a slew of clinical consequences, including liver failure. Although liver injury affects up to ~40% of hospitalized SCD patients, therapeutic approaches to prevent liver injury in SCD are limited. In the Pradhan-Sundd lab we are interested in understanding the molecular (signalling) mechanism of hemolysis induced acute and chronic liver injury. We are also investigating the processes of hepatic hemoglobin, heme, and iron clearance in SCD.

Sinusoidal endothelium driven liver directed gene therapy in hemophilia:
Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by the absence of coagulation factor- VIII (FVIII). Individuals who are affected are at risk of spontaneous bleeding into joints which can be life threatening. Recent advances in liver-directed gene transfer suggest that gene therapy can successfully treat hemophilia A. FVIII is produced in the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Thus, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell viability and functioning are important for successful liver directed gene transfer in Hemophilia. We have recently shown liver sinusoidal endothelial maladaptive structural changes in FVIII-deficient mice and their deleterious impact on the efficacy of liver-directed gene transfer. Abnormal endothelial function was recently recognized in patients with hemophilia A. Our current research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the loss of endothelial fenestration in individuals with FVIII deficiency, and how this loss impacts liver-directed gene therapy in patients with hemophilia.

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

• In collaboration with Principal Investigator develops, improves, and implements laboratory techniques and performs complex experiments or tests to contribute to the timely and accurate completion of the research project(s) including clear and complete records of all experimental work.
• Troubleshoots assays and customizes experimental tools to answer research questions.
• Coordinates external and internal resources necessary for completion of research plan.
• May provide direction to laboratory group and trainees and/or may have supervisory or administrative capacities within the laboratory group
• Participates in publication and presentation of research.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned to technically support scientific projects in the lab and other tasks that are assigned by Principal Investigator
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry or equivalent scientific discipline required
• Master's Degree preferred

Experience

• 4-6 years relevant research laboratory experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed. required
• Ability to perform research procedures independently. required
• Demonstrated ability in research laboratory techniques. required
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Excellent problem solving skills. required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively. required
• Previous supervisory experience, or a proven track record of progressively increasing levels of pertinent administrative experience in a laboratory setting. preferred

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