Springer Lab, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a leading research facility focused on immunology and structural biology, primarily affiliated with Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. This lab, led by renowned scientist Timothy A. Springer, PhD, has been at the forefront of understanding immune cell interactions, particularly the formation of immunological synapses between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. For those interested in jobs at Springer Lab, opportunities span from entry-level research assistants to advanced postdoc positions, offering a chance to contribute to groundbreaking work in biomedical research.
Boston's thriving biotech ecosystem, home to institutions like Harvard and MIT, makes Springer Lab an attractive destination for academics. The lab's work has implications for immunotherapy, autoimmunity, and transplant rejection, making roles here intellectually stimulating and impactful.
Established in the 1980s, Springer Lab has pioneered discoveries in adhesion molecules like LFA-1 and ICAM-1, key to leukocyte trafficking. Timothy Springer's contributions include over 200 publications and numerous awards, positioning the lab as a hub for integrative structural biology. The mission is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of immune recognition using cutting-edge techniques like cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography.
The lab's evolution reflects Boston's higher ed landscape, collaborating with Harvard's Program in Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Jobs at Springer Lab often involve contributing to these long-standing projects, providing stability and prestige.
🔬 Core research centers on integrin activation, immune synapse assembly, and protein dynamics. Key projects include studying how LFA-1 binds ICAM-1 and the role of Rap1 in T cell adhesion. Recent work uses single-molecule imaging and computational modeling to visualize these processes.
Lab members use advanced tools like TIRF microscopy and AlphaFold for predictions, fostering interdisciplinary skills.
Springer Lab offers diverse roles in higher education research. Common positions include research technicians, graduate students, postdocs, and occasionally staff scientists. For a full list of university job types, explore university job types.
Postdocs conduct independent projects on integrin structures, while research assistants handle cell culture and flow cytometry. Entry-level roles suit recent bachelor's graduates, with advancement opportunities.
Immunological Synapse: A specialized junction between T cells and antigen-presenting cells where signaling occurs, crucial for immune response activation.
Integrin: A family of cell adhesion molecules mediating interactions between cells and extracellular matrix, central to Springer Lab's research.
Cryo-EM (Cryo-Electron Microscopy): A technique for determining high-resolution structures of biomolecules in near-native states, used extensively here.
For postdoc positions, a PhD in immunology, biochemistry, structural biology, or related field is required. Research assistants need a BS or MS in biology or chemistry. Graduate students must be enrolled in a PhD program at Harvard or affiliated institutions.
International candidates require J-1 visa eligibility, with lab support for applications.
Expertise in protein expression (mammalian/insect cells), purification, and biophysical characterization is essential. Knowledge of T cell biology or adhesion molecules is preferred. Lab values candidates with experience in structural methods like crystallography or cryo-EM.
Ideal candidates have 2+ first-author publications, experience with grants like F32, and collaborations. Prior work on integrins or synapses is a plus. Lab encourages those with industry experience transitioning back to academia.
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Technical skills: Cell culture, Western blot, FACS, SEC-MALS, SPR. Soft skills: Independent thinking, teamwork, grant writing. Proficiency in GraphPad Prism, PyMOL, and Chimera for data analysis and visualization.
Applications are submitted via email to tsp@crystal.harvard.edu with CV, cover letter (1 page, research fit), 3 references, and reprints. Tips:
Interviews involve seminars and faculty meetings. Negotiation includes salary per NIH scale (~$61k postdoc), benefits, startup funds.
As part of Harvard, Springer Lab participates in Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) and HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows for underrepresented minorities. Women in Science seminars and mentoring for international postdocs promote inclusion. Lab has diverse staff from Asia, Europe, US.
Flexible schedules (core hours 10am-4pm), unlimited PTO, parental leave. Boston offers Fenway Park, Charles River runs, Harvard Square cafes. Lab social events, journal clubs foster community. Proximity to Logan Airport aids conferences. Housing in Cambridge/Allston, with lab shuttles.
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Springer Lab provides exciting higher ed jobs in Boston's research hub. Explore university jobs, career advice, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For postdocs, see how to thrive; research assistants excel tips (adaptable).
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