Postdoc in Cancer Immunology

About the role

The position is part of an NIH R01-funded research program focusing on the bitter taste receptor (T2R) signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).

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 mechanistic signaling studies and translational immune-oncology questions, integrating cancer biology, immunology, GPCR signaling, and translational medicine.
• Collaborate with the PI, Dr. Ryan Carey, in a highly collaborative research environment with strong ties to clinical oncology and institutional core facilities.
• Develop independent research directions, publish first-author manuscripts, and pursue career development activities including grant writing, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

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

• Holds a PhD or MD in a relevant biological or biomedical discipline (e.g., immunology, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology).
• 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.

Skills

Advanced live-cell imaging and signaling assays.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A