The project goals are to better understand the role of mast cells, and mast cell regulation of immunity in the pancreas during type I diabetes. Studies will include evaluation of the interaction between human mast cells and resident islet cells as well as molecular analyses of the impact of mast cells on islet cell biology. Techniques will include cell co-culture systems, multi-parameter flow cytometry, Opal-Mantra immunohistochemical analyses and cell migration studies. We aim to both better understand the role of mast cells in pancreatic islets, in the context of type I diabetes, and to consider the possibility of using mast cells as a target for novel therapeutic approaches.

Reporting to the Lab Director, the Research Associate will take a leadership role in ensuring that the laboratory processes necessary for this project are completed. This will include effective communication with a larger research team based at Dalhousie and at the University of British Columbia. The role will include the planning and execution of complex experiments using human tissues and cells following consideration of the relevant literature.