Position Definition:

The Research Scholar will take a leading role in the investigation of the immune mechanisms involved in susceptibility of patients with COPD to develop respiratory exacerbations. This clinical/translational research laboratory under the direction of Mehrdad Arjomandi, M.D. in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care is part of a multidisciplinary group at the San Francisco VA Medical Center with special focus on role of human macrophages and T-cells in respiratory diseases. We are seeking a highly motivated and creative individual at the post-doctoral level, preferably with previous post-doctoral experience, to take a unique opportunity to lead the basic science aspect of an ongoing clinical/translational research project with direct human relevance.

Essential Functions:

1. Design and perform cell-culture based assays such as phagocytosis, efferocytosis, migration, adhesion, and wound-healing (scratch) tests
2. Design and perform protocols using flow cytometry based assays.
3. Produce written reports detailing results of experiments and analysis of results; draft manuscripts of results for publication
4. Process, store, and perform lab-based assays on human biological samples.
5. Present oral and poster reports at monthly laboratory meetings, as well as national meetings
6. Assist with training of research methods and approaches to laboratory group
7. Assist with composition of grant applications
8. Perform other duties assigned
9. Perform other molecular and cellular biological assays including:

• Cell-based functional assays
• Microscopy
• Immunoblotting (western)
• ELISA
• RNA and DNA purification
• PCR