Research Scientist

About the role

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Dibra Lab, a highly collaborative, innovation-driven research group focused on understanding how tumors evade the immune system and identifying new therapeutic strategies to overcome immune resistance. Our work spans the full spectrum from discovery to functional validation, integrating cutting-edge genetic screens, spatial multi-omics, and mechanistic in vivo studies. We leverage advanced in vivo genetic screening platforms, including Perturb-map, with spatially resolved perturbations to define tumor–immune interactions at high resolution. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies, including Xenium, we investigate cellular heterogeneity, immune niche architecture, and tumor lineage states within the tumor microenvironment. A central focus of the laboratory is understanding how oncogenic pathways reprogram both innate and adaptive immunity to promote immune evasion. We integrate these approaches with immunopeptidomics to define tumor-specific antigen-presentation programs and uncover new therapeutic vulnerabilities. These studies are supported by genetically engineered mouse models, novel alleles developed in the laboratory, and patient-derived organoid systems, providing an integrated platform to interrogate tumor and immune regulatory circuits in vivo, ex vivo, and in clinically relevant human models. Current disease areas include breast cancer and MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. We are particularly interested in candidates with research experience in tumor immunology and one or more of the following areas: immunoproteasome biology or modulation, immunopeptidomics, HLA class I antigen presentation, tumor–immune interactions, immune evasion, cancer immunology, or related areas. Experience with mass spectrometry–based immunopeptidomics, antigen-processing and presentation pathways, single-cell or spatial genomics, functional genetic screening, organoid models, or in vivo tumor models would be especially valuable. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop mechanistic and translational projects aimed at identifying how tumors alter antigen presentation and immune recognition and at developing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for breast cancer and MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Candidates excited about high-impact science at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, antigen presentation, and cutting-edge genomics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments including cell separation, experiments requiring molecular and cellular as well as sterile techniques, or flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNA and protein undefined.
• Conduct experiments involving cancer mouse models.
• Collate and analyze experimental data in a timely manner.
• Make graphics.
• Maintain databases.
• Perform various in vitro tasks and assays (e.g. cell culture based, flow cytometry, sample preparation for spatial analysis and microbiome analysis) from cell culture, mouse tissue, and human (patient) tissue.
• Prepare materials and equipment necessary for laboratory tests.
• Perform general lab duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master's degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 7 (Salaried)

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, DVM, or a related doctoral degree with 4 or more years of experience post PhD.
• Relevant cancer immunology experience in and immunopeptidomics or cancer vaccines.
• Strong background in mouse models, mouse handling, cancer immunology, human organoid growth.
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: immunoproteasome modulation, immunopeptidomics, HLA class I antigen presentation, tumor–immune interactions, immune evasion, and cancer immunology.
• Experience applying these approaches to the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly in breast cancer or MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, is highly desirable.

Skills

• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills, a strong commitment to research excellence, and the ability to work collaboratively while mentoring