“It’s a privilege to run a lab working on something I find fascinating and believe has real impact. To work towards the end goal to make a real-world difference, through the highs and lows with a dedicated team, is a joy. And the excitement of finding something new never gets old!”
Hans Haecker- Futurum Career
WHAT WE DO
WELCOME TO OUR LAB!
where we are working together on fundamental and translational aspects of Immunology to advance human health and train the next generation of biomedical scientists.
The major focus of our lab is on innate immunity and inflammation, with projects ranging from molecular mechanisms of signal transduction to translational aspects of drug development. We explore how innate immune cells recognize and respond to pathogens, how genetic mutations in innate immunity contribute to inflammatory and auto-immune diseases, and how obtained information can be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
To learn more about us, our educational and research programs, career opportunities and the latest news, please explore our website, connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or contact us via email!
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COLLABORATION
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INNOVATION
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MENTORSHIP
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IMPACT
OUR RESEARCH
Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling
TLRs represent a key family of pathogen recognition receptors that alert the immune system upon pathogen encounter via inflammation. We use proteomic approaches (quantitative mass spectrometry) to identify novel components of TLR signaling pathways, whose function we explore in vitro and in vivo. Our goal? To understand immunity better!
Inflammatory Diseases
We have developed novel mouse models based on human genetic information for the inflammatory diseases systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis. We use these models to explore the pathogenic mechanisms involved in order to identify direly needed novel therapeutic targets against these specific, but also more broadly, inflammatory diseases.
Drug Development
We have developed a novel and unique phenotypic screening platform that enables
us to discover small molecule compounds with potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases.
This innovative platform enables us to methodically evaluate and select compounds that exhibit specific desired effects, thereby elevating our ability to contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies in the field of inflammation-related disorders.
Haematopoeis
We utilize regulated Hox-genes to precisely target and immortalize distinct hematopoietic progenitor cells. These modified cells serve as essential models for studying the intricate processes of cell differentiation and immune effector functions. By conducting experiments both in controlled laboratory environments (in vitro) and living organisms (in vivo), we aim to unravel the complexities underlying these biological phenomena and contribute to a deeper understanding of hematopoiesis and immune responses.
Diagnostic Test Development
We have co-founded a diagnostic company focused on creating advanced point-of-care antibody diagnostics. Our innovative approach combines hemagglutination reactions with artificial intelligence to allow accurate, affordable and rapid diagnostic test right on your smartphone.
NEWS & EVENTS
OUR TEAM
Hans Haecker MD | PhD
Professor Microbiology & Immunology
Co-Founder NanoSpot.ai
I've always had a love for sports, but unfortunately, that often comes with its fair share of injuries. Those frequent trips to orthopedic surgeons from a young age sparked my interest in becoming a medical doctor, especially in the field of sports medicine.
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My fascination with sports medicine never waned, but I felt that my medical work could benefit from a stronger foundation in science. This led me to pursue a PhD and postdoctoral training after medical school, and I ended up delving deeper into research. Still, my focus remains on making research findings practical in the field of medicine, ensuring that what we discover benefits patients directly.
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MD
University of Ulm, Germany
PhD
Technical University Munich, Germany
Postdoc
University of California, San Diego
Assistant/ Associate Member
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis
Email: hans.haecker@path.utah.edu
Phone: 801-587-1507
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JOIN US
We are always looking to expand our collaborative research team. Become a member of our lab, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship and a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.
Please feel free to contact us for additional information.​
To apply, please send
• a cover letter containing previous research experiences and specific interests in the Haecker lab
• a CV containing a complete list of publications,
• the addresses of three professional references
Postdoctoral Fellows
Are you interested in immunology, inflammation biology, cell signaling or drug development? We offer plenty of training opportunities, mentorship and great work-life balance for postdocs. Requirements are a recent MD or PhD in molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry or other life science related topic.
Graduate Students
Graduate school is where you dive deeper into what you love, and acquire specialized knowledge and tools that will help you get ready for your future job. We offer personalized mentorship, extensive training and a supportive environment that will empower you to make a meaningful impact and help you get ready for your future job. You can either apply for a PhD program through the M&I Graduate Program or Bioscience Graduate Program.
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Undergraduate Students
As an undergraduate research student in our lab, you will step into the world of research and bring your learning to life with hands-on training. You will collaborate with experienced mentors, delve into meaningful projects, and see your ideas make a difference..
ResearchTechnicians
Become a part of our research team, where you'll work alongside experienced scientists, use cutting-edge technologies, and use your skills to make a difference. Your role will play a crucial part in advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what we know. We are looking for research technician at all levels with particular interest/ expertise in immunology, molecular biology and/or mouse models of autoimmunity and/or inflammatory diseases. Requirements are a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, or other scientific discipline.
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TEACHING
Supporting your growth through mentoring and teaching is a priority in our lab. Feel free to visit us anytime – our door is open for any questions you may have. Your development matters to us, and we're here to assist you every step of the way.
Hans Haecker is director of the Basic Immunology courses (PATH7330 & PATH5030) offered every Fall, teaches part of the Topics in Immunology (Path 7320) course as well as the Capstone course. Hans is also part of the Molecular Biology Program - Innate Immunity and Inflammation and currently mentors 14 PhD/Doctorate students outside the lab on dissertation committees.
COLLABORATIONS
We're all about partnering up – whether it's among our lab members or extending our connections to the wider world. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating,
you'll find a home with us!
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TLR signaling and inflammation
Dr. Patrick Walker, CEO Arkana Laboratories, Little Rock (kidney pathology in lupus patients)
Dr. Peter Vogel, Director Veterinary Pathology Core, Department of Pathology, St. Jude
Dr. Heather Tillman, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, St. Jude
Dr. Marc Barry, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Utah
Dr. James Cox, Director Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, University of Utah
Dr. Cliff Guy, Managing Director, Imaging Facility Department of Immunology, St.Jude
TLR drug development
Dr. Taosheng Cheng, Director High through put screening (HTS) core, St. Jude
Dr. John Katzenellenbogen, Professor, University of Illinois, Urbana
Dr. Julie Pollock, Assistant Professor, Chemistry Department, University of Richmond
Dr. Richard Lee, Member, Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude
Conditionally immortalized hematopoietic progenitor cells
Dr. Thomas Vogl, Professor, Department of Immunology, University of Münster
Dr. Barbara Walzog, Professor, Department of Physiology, LMU Munich
Dr. Uwe Koedel, Professor, Department of exp. Neurology, LMU Munich
Dr. Michael Sixt, Professor, Institute of Science and Technology, Vienna
Dr. Georg Häcker, Director Inst. of Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg
Dr. Boris Reizis, Professor, Department of Pathology, New York University
Dr. Stephen Nutt, Professor, WEHI institute, Melbourne
Dr. Thomas Graf, Senior Scientist, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona
Dr. Philippe PIERRE, Professor, Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy
Dr. Peter VanLent, Professor, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen
Dr. Mortimer Poncz, Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Tobias Hohl, Chief, Infectious Diseases Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York
USEFUL SCIENTIFIC LINKS
Here are some useful scientific link that we often use in our lab.
We hope that they will help you find answers to your questions!
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UNIVERSITY RESOURCES
The University of Utah provides access to cutting-edge facilities, expert mentors, and extensive libraries, that will allow you to pursue your interests and successfully complete your research. Experience a campus environment that supports your academic career and fosters innovative technologies, collaborations, and a vibrant community of researchers.
LIFE AT THE U AND BEYOND
Life in Utah offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural activities and a strong sense of community. With its stunning landscapes, including national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches, outdoor enthusiasts find ample opportunities for hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking and exploring. Utah also boasts a growing cultural scene, with Salt Lake City being a hub for arts, music, and diverse cuisine. Utah's friendly atmosphere contribute to a welcoming environment, making it a place where people can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Life amidst the mountains and deserts will offer you a unique backdrop for your academic journey!.
CONNECT WITH US
And we promise that you do not need to use a message in a bottle! Just email us at hans.haecker@path.utah.edu or fill in the contact form below.
We are located in room 1520 on the first floor of the Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building on the upper campus of the University of Utah. For information on public transportation and parking options please see the commuter services website
If you have questions finding us, you can always contact us or call the main office at 801-581-4390.
Division of Microbiology & Immunology
Department of Pathology
University of Utah
Emma Eccles Jones Medical Research Building, Rm 1520 H
15 N. Medical Drive East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
hans.haecker@path.utah.edu | +1 801-587-1507