Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fundamental Tumor Immunology) - Radiation Oncology

ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

About the role

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the tumor immunology laboratory of Dr. Sana Karam, Professor of Radiation Oncology at WashU Medicine. Situated within the world-renowned WashU Bursky Center for Human Immunology ecosystem, our federally funded research program is fundamentally rooted in basic immunology and cancer biology. We rigorously investigate systemic immunity, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the mechanistic drivers of resistance to radiation and immunotherapy utilizing advanced pre-clinical models of head/neck and pancreatic cancers. While our core identity is grounded in fundamental, mechanistic discovery, we possess the rare and privileged ability to directly translate our bench findings into real-time clinical trials.

The Karam Lab has a proven, established track record of mentoring postdoctoral fellows into successful independent research careers. We are seeking our next scientific leader. As our basic science and pre-clinical research programs continue to expand, we are specifically seeking a candidate with rigorous, formal training in fundamental immunology to drive the in vivo and molecular arm of our lab. While the PI remains deeply engaged in the strategic vision and intellectual mentorship of the laboratory, we operate on a model of high-level scientific partnership rather than traditional bench-level micromanagement. You are expected to bring deep mechanistic insight, drive the scientific narrative, and leverage our robust pre-clinical models—complemented by our clinical trial multi-omic data—to build your own high-impact portfolio. This position is designed as a launchpad for an ambitious postdoc intending to build their own independent laboratory.

We are seeking a highly driven, intellectually rigorous, and fiercely curious scientist. The successful candidate must possess a deep hunger for scientific discovery, the ability to think critically and independently, and the ambition to push the boundaries of current oncologic paradigms. Supported by in-house computational biologists and top-tier institutional core facilities, your primary mandate will be high-level hypothesis generation, designing and executing complex mechanistic in vivo models, and driving science forward to high-impact publication.

Responsibilities

• Intellectual Leadership: Independently formulate hypotheses regarding systemic immune responses, TME reprogramming, macrophage polarization, and T-cell exhaustion to overcome treatment resistance.
• Self-Directed Scientific Execution: Operate with high autonomy and intellectual partnership. Independently identify scientific gaps, propose robust experimental designs, and drive projects forward to completion. Act as the intellectual engine for mechanistic immunology studies.
• Advanced Execution: Design and execute highly complex, fundamental basic science and translational experiments utilizing orthotopic models, targeted radiation platforms (SARRP), and advanced immunological assays.
• Scientific Communication: Analyze data rigorously, draft high-impact manuscripts, and write grant applications (e.g., K99/R00, F32, or foundational grants).
• Collaborative Mentorship: Engage in high-level scientific discourse with senior scientists, computational biologists, and graduate students to elevate the overall intellectual rigor of the lab.
• Elite Mentorship & Team Science: Serve as the day-to-day scientific sounding board and technical mentor for top-tier MSTP and PhD students. Guide trainees in advanced immunological techniques and experimental design, acting as a team leader to multiply scientific output.

Requirements

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. with deep, formal, and rigorous training in Immunology.
• Demonstrable track record of operating completely independently, proposing solutions rather than asking for instructions.
• Demonstrable track record of productivity and critical thinking, evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Deep conceptual and technical expertise in advanced immunology: high-parameter flow cytometry, adoptive transfer models, and T-cell/myeloid assays.
• Extensive experience in executing complex in vivo rodent tumor models.
• Uncompromising commitment to scientific excellence and the ability to work highly independently.
• Prior experience in tumor immunology, radiation biology, or radio-immunotherapy.
• Strong conceptual understanding of bioinformatics (ability to "speak the language" and translate data into bench experiments).

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.