We are looking for a motivated individual with interest in infectious disease research to join Ganusov Lab (https://www.txbiomed.org/scientists/vitaly-ganusov/ ) at Texas Biomed (www.txbiomed.org). The Research Assistant will be the key scientist for analysis and management of imaging data in the lab. As we collect different types of imaging data (currently from confocal and two-photon microscopes and from PET/CT scanners), the applicant will learn the appropriate methods and will provide segmentation of such data. Another responsibility will be teaching the methods of imaging data analysis other lab members (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students, summer interns, etc.). There is an expectation that the applicant will perform some analyses of such data, e.g., in MS Excel or R.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and perform segmentation of imaging data from confocal and two-photon imaging experiments and PET/CT scans primarily using Imaris from Bitplane.
• Maintain the database of the data available and segmentations performed so far and be the contact information on sharing these data with other researchers following publication of relevant papers. 
• Teach and supervise other researchers at imaging data segmentation and analysis.
• Learn about new methods of imaging data analysis and test and if needed, implement them as a routine methodology in the lab.
• Write summary reports and participate in writing papers.

Our Ideal Candidate: A highly motivated individual with a bachelor’s degree. No prior specific work experience required although knowledge of microscopy and/or programming is desirable. An interest in biology, microbiology, or immunology is a plus.

Working Environment: The work will be primarily at the computer involving learning about Imaris (and other programs for analysis of imaging data), segmenting and quantifying specific details of imaging data (e.g., liver sinusoids, T cell tracks, location of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)- infected macrophages in the lung, PET/CT-based analysis of TB granulomas). Currently, our imaging data come from collaborations with several groups are focused on 1) understanding how Mtb disseminates in the lung and systemically, 2) understanding how Plasmodium sporozoites initiate the infection of mice in the skin and the liver. We are looking for a technician/research assistant to join our laboratory to assist in analysis of experimental data and preparing results for publication. In our laboratory we perform computational biology research whereby we built mathematical models of different phenomena in immunology and test these models using experimental data. Analysis of experimental data and fitting mathematical models to data are the key components of the research in our lab. The main directions of the research in the lab are focused on the following: 1) mathematical modeling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dynamics and dissemination in the lung and beyond, 2) mathematical modeling of within-host dynamics of malaria including infection of skin with Plasmodium sporozoites and control of infection in the liver by CD8 T cells, 3) mathematical modeling of lymphocyte recirculation in the whole body, and 4) mathematical modeling of T cell and antibody responses to infections and vaccinations. 

Who We Are: 

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease! 

Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect you, your families, and our global community from the threat of infectious diseases. Our scientific discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research to provide better overall global health.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine: 

• The highest-level biocontainment labs for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally-designated National Primate Research Center 
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval 

What We Can Offer You:

• Employee-centered culture with an emphasis on open communication, job empowerment and trust! 
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for your family (and even your pets)!
• An incomparable employer funded retirement plan with 7% retirement funding starting day 1 (and increases upon years of service)!
• Generous paid time off, with 14 paid holidays including Winter Recess (paid week off the last week of December)
• On-site medical clinic, wellness incentives & paid prescription drug resources to promote health management! 
• On-site gym & wellness programs!
• Flexible work arrangements for work-life balance!
• Dynamic learning environment with opportunities for professional development, mentorship, continuing education (tuition reimbursement) and leadership programs to help you thrive both personally and professionally. 

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity! Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

For inquiries, contact Vitaly Ganusov at vganusov@txtbiomed.org 

VITALY V. GANUSOV, PH.D. Lab: https://www.txbiomed.org/scientists/vitaly-ganusov/