Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Mout) Immunobiology

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to join Dr. Rubul Mout’s laboratory in the Division of Immunobiology, Division of Oncology, and the Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM). The position is full-time, on-site, with a 40-hour workweek.

About the role

The Mout Lab develops innovative protein-based technologies to enhance immune function and advance next-generation cancer vaccines and immunotherapies. The lab integrates computational protein design, immunology, cell biology, and stem cell biology to understand and control immune cell development and signaling.

Key Research Areas

• De novo protein design and humanization
• Enhancing T-cell function using designed proteins
• Rejuvenating T-cell development
• Developing rare dendritic cell populations for cancer vaccines

Responsibilities

• Develop skills and knowledge to become an independent scientist, including critical thinking, data analysis, devising specific aims, long-term project planning, and experimental design
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments; analyze data that may impact future patient care decisions
• Research and improve current methods; evaluate innovative techniques
• Maintain protocol and assay accuracy through regular quality and reproducibility checks
• Troubleshoot erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment
• Discuss experimental results with faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and scientific meetings
• Develop skills to critically review and discuss presented data
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants
• Progressively take on increasing responsibilities, including mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
• Maintain currency in the field through continuing education, literature, and seminars
• Actively participate in intellectual discussions with the principal investigator, faculty, trainees, and research staff
• Solicit feedback on career trajectory from the PI, mentoring committee, and others
• Attend required training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with institutional policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• PhD or MD (or equivalent) in biology, immunology, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interest in protein engineering, immunology, stem cell biology, or cancer immunotherapy
• Training in computational protein design, stem cell biology, or immunology (e.g., experience in labs of Nobel Laureate David Baker or George Daley)

About the organization

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is a top-ranked pediatric hospital and research institution, recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and innovation. Key distinctions include:

• Ranked among the top 10 best children’s hospitals in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for over 15 years
• Consistently among the top 3 children’s hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding
• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers (2025) and Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
• Named one of America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune
• Certified as a Great Place to Work and a Leading Disability Employer
• Magnet® designated for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

The organization embraces innovation, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, to improve outcomes and empower teams.