Postdoctoral Fellow Zheng Lab Thrombosis & Hemostasis

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 institutes 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. VBRIs 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 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.

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 Zheng Laboratory studies the interactions between lipoprotein metabolism and blood clot lysis. Fibrinolysis the primary mechanism that dissolves a blood clot is initiated by a serine protease tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Our previous study discussed a novel source and regulation of endogenous basal plasma tPA derived from hepatocytes which is important for fibrinolysis when a vessel injury occurs (Blood 2019). The tPA activity is inhibited primarily by the serpin plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). A balance between tPA and PAI-1 in plasma is essential for preventing excessive clotting. Our study revealed the mechanism of how hepatocytes sense metabolic stresses and imbalance the production of tPA and PAI-1 influencing the degree of impaired fibrinolysis in obesity(JCI 2020).

A new study from our lab discovered a direct interaction between tPA and apoB the scaffold protein of LDL and VLDL particles reducing VLDL production from hepatocytes and lowering atherogenic apoB-lipoprotein cholesterol in circulation (Science 2023). The goal of our laboratory is to understand the role of hepatocyte-derived tPA and basal fibrinolysis in hemostasis and to develop diagnostic/ preventive/ therapeutic strategies that can be used to combat atherosclerosis thrombosis and bleeding disorders. Specific areas of research interests include: 1) a new link between reduced fibrinolysis and dyslipidemia in atherothrombosis 2) fibrinolysis and lipoproteins in hemophilia 3) the role of lipoprotein in platelet biology 4) the role of hepatocyte tPA and liver injuries and 5) a timely study of dyslipidemia and thrombosis in COVID-19.

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.

• 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 or 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

#VBRI

#LI-EH1