Postdoc in Cancer Immunology

About the role

The postdoctoral fellow will join an NIH R01-funded research program focusing on understanding how G protein–coupled receptor signaling shapes macrophage behavior within the tumor microenvironment and how these pathways can be leveraged to promote anti-tumor immunity. The work integrates mechanistic signaling studies with translational immune-oncology questions.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects examining how bitter taste receptor signaling regulates macrophage function, including efferocytosis, polarization, and interactions with oral cancer cells.
• Use primary human monocyte-derived macrophages from healthy donors and patients with OSCC, patient-derived tumor slice cultures, and murine models to evaluate immune infiltration and tumor growth in vivo.
• Contribute to a combination of live-cell and confocal imaging, biochemical and molecular techniques, primary human tissues, and in vivo models.
• Collaborate with the PI, Dr. Ryan Carey, in a highly collaborative research environment with strong ties to clinical oncology and institutional core facilities.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD or MD in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline (e.g., immunology, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology). Prior experience with cell culture, immune cells, imaging, or signaling pathways is helpful but not required. Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, independence, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.

Qualifications

Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Skills

Strong communication skills, intellectual curiosity, independence, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.

Benefits

Salary and benefits will follow NIH postdoctoral guidelines. Information on postdoctoral policies and benefits is available through the Penn Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs.

Pay

Salary and benefits will follow NIH postdoctoral guidelines.

Schedule

Salary and benefits will follow NIH postdoctoral guidelines.

Contact

Please upload a cover letter, CV, and names of at least two references into Interfolio. Questions can be directed to ryan.carey [at] pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.