Associate Researcher I-Renal

The Associate Researcher I is a laboratory research position, responsible for independent conduct of routine and standardized experiments. This individual assists in the interpretation of research outcomes, performs assays to support research studies, and assists in the clerical and supply aspects of the laboratory environment.

Dr. Jordi Ochando’s laboratory discovered in 2018 that trained immunity, a memory-like functional program of the innate immune system that induces enhanced inflammatory responses, represents a previously unrecognized pathway that prevents the induction of transplantation tolerance ( Braza M, et al. Immunity 2018 ). Mechanistically, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serves as a central regulator of the immune response mediated by macrophages and is required for the induction of trained immunity.

To prevent the immunological effects of trained macrophages associated with organ transplant rejection, we developed an innovative therapeutic approach to deliver mTOR inhibitors to macrophages in vivo , using high-density lipoprotein (HDL) nanoparticles. This targeted nano-immunotherapy prevents the induction of trained immunity favoring immune tolerance.

The preclinical and clinical preliminary data revealed a discrete causative connection between allograft transplantation, the induction of trained immunity, systemic inflammatory response, and activation of T cell-mediated allo-immunity. Furthermore, we identified trained immunity as a compelling therapeutic target in mouse and non-human primate heart allograft models.

Based on these results, our central hypothesis is that trained immunity is a critical mechanism that amplifies and sustains both innate and adaptive rejection responses and is therefore a compelling clinical therapeutic target for achieving long-term allograft survival without requiring chronic immunosuppression. To safeguard the appropriate implementation of trained immunity assays across the different organ transplantation research programs, we have established a Trained Immunity Mechanistic to support the following projects: “The role of trained immunity in the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction”, “Targeting trained immunity in transplantation” (P01 AI168258), “New Approaches to Inducing Lung Allograft Tolerance in NHPs” (U19 AI174967), “Promoting and Visualizing Immune Regulation in Transplantation” (U01 AI170074), “Targeting Inflammation and Alloimmunity in Lung Transplant Recipients With Clazakizumab” (U01 AI163086), and “New Approaches to Inducing Cardiac Allograft Tolerance” (P01HL158504).

Technical Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct mouse studies, including husbandry and intravascular dosing. Isolate and culture primary myeloid cells for in vitro assays. Perform trained-immunity assays using bone marrow-derived macrophages. Prepare samples and operate spectral flow cytometry instruments. Analyze flow cytometry data and immune-cell responses.

Validate therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Maintain records and support data quality control. Collaborate on standardized trained-immunity assays. Bachelors or Masters degree in science or related field required No experience required. One year of research experience preferred. Six months experience in a wet laboratory preferred.