Postdoctoral Position: Red Blood Cell Immunobiology

About the role

The Mangalmurti Laboratory, in the Department of Medicine's Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on evaluating red blood cells (RBCs) as a novel liquid biopsy platform for cancer detection and disease monitoring. This industry-sponsored project will investigate the biological basis, analytical performance, and translational potential of RBC-associated tumor DNA (rtDNA) as a new substrate for precision oncology applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies integrating in vitro tumor–RBC co-culture systems, preclinical cancer models, and clinical specimens from patients with cancer to define the mechanisms of rtDNA acquisition, persistence, and detection.
• Develop and optimize molecular assays for mutation detection.
• Evaluate analytical sensitivity and specificity.
• Assess the feasibility of RBC-based liquid biopsy approaches across multiple oncology indications.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, genomics, bioengineering, hematology, immunology, or a related discipline. Candidates should have a strong record of scientific accomplishment and a demonstrated interest in translational cancer research, biomarker development, liquid biopsy technologies, or precision oncology.

• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR, digital PCR, next-generation sequencing, circulating biomarker analysis, flow cytometry, or related methodologies is desirable.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, intellectually curious, and excited to contribute to the development of red blood cell–based liquid biopsy approaches for cancer detection and disease monitoring.

Skills

Not specified

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Commensurate with experience

Schedule

TBD

Benefits

Not specified

Training Environment and Mentorship

The postdoctoral fellow will receive close mentorship with an emphasis on scientific rigor, experimental design, translational research, and career development. The fellow will have the opportunity to lead an industry-sponsored research program aimed at evaluating the feasibility of red blood cell–based liquid biopsy technologies for oncology applications. Training will encompass biomarker discovery, assay development, translational study design, and the generation of data needed to support future clinical and commercial development. The fellow will work within a highly collaborative environment that integrates cancer biology, hematology, genomics, bioengineering, and clinical investigation. Opportunities will be available to interact with industry partners, participate in multidisciplinary project teams, and gain exposure to the scientific, regulatory, and strategic considerations involved in advancing novel diagnostic technologies from discovery toward clinical implementation.

Contact Information

Contact information for three references

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.