Postdoctoral Training Opportunity – Brain Tumor Nano-immunotherapy Research
The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral fellow for expansion of fundamental aspects of nanomedicine and immunotherapy in the field of brain tumors.
This position offers an opportunity to work in the NIH-funded lab of Dr. Peng Zhang. The mission of the Zhang lab is to understand the interplay between brain tumor microenvironment and standard-of-care therapies and develop innovative approaches to overcome the therapy resistance of brain tumors by remodeling the immune microenvironment. Taking a multidisciplinary, bench-to-bedside approach, this translational research group integrates the knowledge of nanotechnology, immunology, cancer biology, immunometabolism, and bioinformatics to unveil the mechanisms behind brain tumor therapeutic resistance, identify new therapeutic targets, and create translatable therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
The lab has well-developed nanotechnology platforms for tumor targeting and immunomodulation, established models of preclinical glioma and transgenic mouse strains, and access to various clinical resources, including brain tumor specimens, clinical data, and tumor transcriptomic data. The Department of Neurological Surgery offers a nurturing environment for career development, a stimulating community of several brain tumor research labs, weekly conferences and seminars of interest.
The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to build a publication record including submissions to leading journals; supervise rotating undergraduate, graduate and medical students; apply for internal and/or extramural funding; and attend meetings that will help to build an international reputation.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD or MD in immunology, nanotechnology, materials engineering, cancer biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific field.
Required Competencies:
- Strong knowledge in at least one of the related scientific fields: cancer immunology, nanomedicine/drug delivery, or cancer biology.
- Experience in working with small animal models and mammalian cell culture.
- Expertise in basic biology techniques such as multi-color flow cytometry, functional assays, and gene expression analysis.
- Ability to independently design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate recordkeeping, and effectively collaborate within a team environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to present research at meetings and write scientific manuscripts in fluent English.
Preferred Competencies:
- Experience in design, synthesis, and characterization of functional nanomaterials for tumor/immune cell-targeted delivery of small molecule or nucleic acid therapeutics.
- Familiarity with next generation sequencing and gene expression analysis.
- Expertise in CRISPR-based genome editing tools.
Interested applicants must send a current curriculum vitae, a cover letter containing a summary of research experience and aspirations, and names and contact information for at least three professional references to the attention of Dawn Rose at dawn.rose@nm.org. Applicant must be able to begin employment no later than the Summer/Fall of 2023.
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Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.