Assistant Research Professor

Position Summary

The Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking applications for a full-time Assistant Research Professor to support research in the laboratory of Dr. Randy R. Brutkiewicz, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology and Full Member of the Stark Neuroscience Research Institute. The laboratory investigates innate immune mechanisms regulating antigen presentation, with a specific emphasis on the MR1/MAIT cell axis and its role in Alzheimer's disease. Recent work from the group has demonstrated MR1-mediated antigen presentation by microglia, astrocytes and neurons, and identified contributions of the MR1/MAIT cell axis to neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease progression.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing federally funded research programs and develop independent lines of investigation aligned with the laboratory's focus.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct research on MR1-mediated antigen presentation and MAIT cell biology in neurodegenerative disease models.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments related to innate immune regulation in Alzheimer's disease.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and scientific presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external investigators within immunology and neuroscience.
• Provide mentorship to trainees and technical staff.
• Maintain compliance with institutional and federal research regulations.

IU School of Medicine is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We invite individuals who will join us in our mission to improve health equity and well-being for all throughout the state of Indiana.

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Neuroscience, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of research experience in innate immunity within the context of neurodegenerative and other CNS disorders.
• Demonstrated expertise in cellular immunology, antigen presentation, or neuroimmune interactions.
• Evidence of productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (e.g., 5XFAD).
• Background in MR1/MAIT cell biology and other innate immune axes.
• Experience with neuroinflammation assays, imaging, or single-cell/spatial technologies.
• Prior work involving CD1d, NKT cells, or innate-like T cell subsets.