Research Scientist I - Poon Lab

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 institute's 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. VBRI’s 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 research. In 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.

Develops and elucidates scientific aims, experimental design and execution. A Research Scientist I is equivalent to the Research Assistant Professor position at many universities.

The Poon Lab investigates the molecular basis of transcription factor–DNA recognition and translates those principles into chemical strategies for modulating genetic programs in hematopoiesis. Our work focuses on ETS family transcription factors, which are major regulators of hematopoietic homeostasis, differentiation, as well as immunologic processes. Our lab integrates experimental quantitative biochemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics, and cell physiology to connect atomistic mechanisms with functional outcomes. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=poon+gmk.

Ideal candidates for this position will have experience in hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and/or IPSC technology. 

CompensationThe target salary is based on internal averages. Versiti sets salary ranges aligned to local markets in which the job is performed. Compensation decisions take into account internal salary averages and differentiation based on education, experience, skills, and performance. Specific salary and benefits information is shared at the time of the phone screening based on your location and qualifications.BenefitsVersiti 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.

• With direction from PI, assists in designing goal-oriented, hypothesis driven research program(s)
• Takes advantage of opportunities to apply for local or national grants as applicable to fund relevant research
• Experimental work and data analyses
• Maintains an active scientific publication and presentation record based on individual and PI's research. Minimum of one high impact in addition to multiple publications.
• Provides direction and/or supervise research technologists, pre- and postdoctoral trainees.
• Actively contributes to the scientific community in the Blood Research Institute
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

• PhD, PhD/MD, or equivalent degree in related scientific area required

Experience

• 1-3 years postdoctoral experience 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 tests and procedures required in the scientific field. required
• Exceptional organizational, communication and problem solving skills. required
• Strong detail orientation and analytical ability. required
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines. required
• Ability to supervise, coordinate and plan the work of several individuals involved in a project. required