Contact Name: David Koelle
Contact Email: viralimm[at]uw.edu
Department: Medicine
Description:
Our lab studies the immune response to several viruses that infect humans including herpes simplex types 1 and 2, the chicken pox virus, and a cancer virus also. We are interested in vaccine development, figuring out why some people get severe disease, and also technology development in decoding the immune response at the cellular and molecular level. We work primarily with T-cells rather than antibodies. The spectrum of modern molecular and cellular research methods such as cloning, sequencing, gene expression, flow cytometry, etc. are used; our lab is generally at the BSL-2 safety level as human samples and infectious pathogens are in use. There are about 9 people including one undergrad in the lab now. The PI is a medical doctor. We are interested in cultivating 1-2 undergrads who might possibly be interested in staying on 1-2 years as research technologists after graduation should everything work out. But someone headed straight to further schooling is fine too. Projects would likely involve molecular cloning as this has schedule-friendly workflows. We are located at South Lake Union, with a free shuttle every 20 min to UW. Grades, math skills, work ethic important.
Requirements:
Senior, Junior or super Sophomore. Organic lab. Usual computer skills with programming a plus. Decent grades. Interest in microbiology and immunology. Some micro or immunology coursework a plus. Familiarity with bioinformatics or next-generation DNA sequencing would be a real plus; interest in taking coursework relevant to this area during the time period of the undergrad experience would be a good fit. Students with a real interest in investigative medicine rather than “checking off the research box” for professional school entry are preferred although I certainly realize this is not black and white.
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