Versiti is a fusion of donors, scientific curiosity, and precision medicine that recognize the gifts of blood and life are precious. We are home to the world-renowned Blood Research Institute, we enable life saving gifts from our donors, and provide the science behind the medicine through our diagnostic laboratories. Versiti brings together outstanding minds with unparalleled experience in transfusion medicine, transplantation, stem cells and cellular therapies, oncology and genomics, diagnostic lab services, and medical and scientific expertise. This combination of skill and knowledge results in improved patient outcomes, higher quality services and reduced cost of care for hospitals, blood centers, hospital systems, research and educational institutions, and other health care providers. At Versiti, we are passionate about improving the lives of patients and helping our healthcare partners thrive.

Postdoctoral fellow in Leukemia and Stem Cell research – Deininger Lab

The Deininger lab’s expertise is translational research in leukemia, specifically the biology of myeloid malignancies and the development of molecular targeted therapies. We strive to understand the molecular mechanisms allowing leukemia cells to survive treatment and use this knowledge to develop more effective and less toxic therapies. We employ a multidisciplinary approach to research, straddling genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering, with one goal: improving the lives of patients affected by leukemia. We are proud of our vibrant, diverse, and inclusive team of scientists who strive to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of myeloid malignancies. Our research program is supported by several NIH (R01s), and several other prestigious private awards.

Our labs are located in the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), an academic institute entirely focused on hematology (https://versiti.org/versiti-blood-research-institute). VBRI is a leader in the field of thrombosis, hemostasis, benign/malignant hematopoiesis and genetic disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease, Von Willebrand’s Disease and hemophilia. VBRI’s close association with the Versiti Medical Sciences Institute, the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the clinical hematology programs Froedtert Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin ensures strong translational training and accessibility to invaluable resources such as patient tissue/blood samples. VBRI is committed to developing the careers of early career investigators in the field of basic and translational hematology. Each trainee and their PI design a individual development plan (IDP) to define goals, mutual expectations, and support. Most of Dr. Deininger’s trainees have remained in science, and many are now leading their own independent research programs. 

Position summary

You will join a well-established group focused on conducting and completing projects leading to publications in high-impact journals. Under the direction of Dr. Deininger, the successful applicant will lead and develop projects related to myeloid malignancies. They will be trained in and apply advanced laboratory techniques and acquire skills in key aspects of biomedical research, setting them on a trajectory to be successful as principal investigators in academia or group leaders in industry. This is a training position with an expected duration of at least 2 years.

Postdoctoral fellows at Deininger lab have the following responsibilities:

• Lead projects by designing and performing experimental procedures
• Manage data, analyze, present and report results
• Write scientific papers and grants
• Work with the PI and other team members to perform experiments in vitro and in vivo

Required skills and qualifications

• Previous experience in working with animal models of human cancers, molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology, genetics, sequencing, or protein structure is required.
• Strong background and profound knowledge in hematological malignancies is preferred.
• Evidence of scientific rigor and excellence as documented by peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work productively in a team and excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently apply understanding of scientific theory to the design and execution of research experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and explain the theoretical basis of the work performed.
• Proficiency in basic and sophisticated experimental tests and procedures.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong orientation to detail.
• Deep analytical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Exemplary work ethics.

Recent relevant publications:

• Eide, Christopher A., et al. "Combining the allosteric inhibitor asciminib with ponatinib suppresses emergence of and restores efficacy against highly resistant BCR-ABL1 mutants." Cancer Cell 36.4 (2019): 431-443.
• Yan, Dongqing, et al. "SIRT5 is a druggable metabolic vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia." Blood cancer discovery 2.3 (2021): 266-287.
• Zhao, Helong, et al. "MS4A3 promotes differentiation in chronic myeloid leukemia by enhancing common β-chain cytokine receptor endocytosis." Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology 139.5 (2022): 761-778.

For more information about Dr. Deininger lab, please review: https://versiti.org/versiti-blood-research-institute/investigator-laboratory-sites/michael-deininger-laboratory

Position information

Versiti follows the NIH stipend levels as outlined by the Kirchstein - NRSA. This full-time trainee position will provide a salary according to the NIH scale, which is dependent upon the years of postgraduate experience.

Versiti offers compensated trainees:
- Group Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability coverage
- Paid Time Off 
- Paid institutional holidays
- 401K matched retirement plan

If you are interested in joining us, please mail your CV, a brief statement of research interests and contact information to Nataly Cruz-Rodriguez. ncruz@versiti.org

#VBRI

• 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

• Master's Degree required
• PhD required
• equivalent degree required

Experience

• 4-6 years 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