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JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: DVM to develop humanized mouse models for HIV (Research Fellow)
Job Code: 000844
Salary Plan: Exempt
Lab: Allen
Direct Supervisor: Todd Allen
Employing Hospital and Department:
Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: DVM
Years experience required: 0 – 2 years experience
Summary:
The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard located in Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA
has an opening in the Allen laboratory (http://www.ragoninstitute.org/portfolio-item/allen-lab/)
for a highly motivated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to develop improved humanized
mouse models that recapitulate human immunity and characterize human immune responses to
HIV.
Major efforts will include the use of human stem cells to reconstitute a human immune system in
immunodeficient mice, testing the potential of HIV vaccines, and developing novel approaches
to eradicate HIV reservoirs (functional cure).
This position will focus on model development, including exploration of different sources of
human CD34+ progenitor cells, different backgrounds of immunodeficient mice, and
comprehensive analysis of human cell repertoires and immune function to reconstitute a human
immune system in humanized mice (BLT and HSC+ mice).
In addition to developing and leading studies to improve the humanized mouse model, the
candidate will also be directly involved in the development and execution of HIV cure and
vaccine research studies in the mice by testing novel concepts to block HIV infection and to
eradicate HIV reservoirs including CRISPR-Cas9 modification of human cells.
The applicant will work closely with the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Comparative
Medicine (CCM) staff who will handle the day to day feeding, cage maintenance, and health
assessments for all animals.
This NIH funded position requires a DVM degree with a background in infectious diseases
and/or immunology. The goal of this work is to develop a more highly functional small animal
model of HIV infection and human immunity to advance our understanding of immune control
of HIV.
State-of-the-art facilities are available within an exceptionally energetic research setting.
Job Duties:
Under the direction of the principal investigator the applicant independently carries out daily
activities of the laboratory.
 Surgical injection of human cells and/or implantation of tissues into immunodeficient mice
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Routine monitoring, blood draws, injections and vaccination of immunodeficient mice,
including infection of mice with HIV
Development of novel approaches for engraftment of cells/tissues
Processing of blood and tissue samples for experimental work, including euthanasia and
tissue collection
Lead a robust research program focused on improving the humanized mouse model as well
as addressing specific research questions related to HIV-specific immunity and control of
HIV
Work closely with CCM staff handling the day to day feeding, cage maintenance, and health
assessments for all animals
Assist with the writing of IACUC protocols
Performs assays utilizing standard techniques (ELISPOT, intracellular cytokine staining,
flow cytometry, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, standard and quantitative PCR,
site-directed mutagenesis)
Work in both BSL1 and BSL2 environments
May require night/weekend/holiday work
Must be familiar with all technician duties and may provide a supervising/training role
Cell/tissue processing, culture and maintenance
Detailed documentation of the experimental work
Qualifications:
 DVM with relevant experience in infectious diseases, immunology, or virology
 Experience with small animal surgery required
 Experience with tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry preferred
 Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience in the immunology or virology of
infectious diseases or murine immunity to pathogens
 Candidates must be highly motivated and independent, with the ability to work in a dynamic
team environment
 Good organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
 Ability to perform as a team member and must have good interpersonal skills