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Postdoctoral Research Opportunities – Brain Tumor Cell Research, Adult and Pediatric

July 6, 2026
About the Cheng Laboratory

Dr. Shi-Yuan Cheng is a professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and is supported by multiple grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Cheng Laboratory conducts both basic and translational research and is committed to training the next generation of academic scientists and faculty members.

Former trainees from the laboratory currently hold faculty positions or independent PI roles at leading institutions worldwide, including Colorado State University, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Xiamen University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Medical University of South Carolina and others.

The laboratory focuses on brain tumor biology, with interdisciplinary research spanning tumor immunology, molecular biology, RNA biology, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology. Our work aims to elucidate mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in brain tumors, identify novel therapeutic targets, and develop innovative targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes for patients with brain tumors.

The lab is equipped with well-established research platforms, extensive clinical tumor specimens, and robust clinical databases, and maintains close collaborations with experts across disciplines and with clinical neurosurgeons.

In recent years, the laboratory has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Cancer Cell (2017), Science Advances (2022), Molecular Cell (2021), Nature Cell Biology (2021), Autophagy (2019), Nature Communications (2016), Journal of Clinical Investigation (2011, 2014, 2024), Genome Biology (2025), and Nature Cell Biology (2026).

The lab culture is collaborative and supportive, with strong emphasis on work–life balance, independent scientific thinking, grant writing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term career development.

For more information, please visit: http://labs.feinberg.northwestern.edu/cheng/

Research Areas

We are currently seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers interested in one or more of the following areas:

  1. Aberrant RNA splicing in adult and pediatric brain tumors
  2. Aberrant RNA splicing in tumor-associated myeloid cells, other immune cells, and endothelial cells
  3. Mechanisms underlying brain tumor initiation, progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance
  4. Mechanisms underlying brain metastasis.
Qualifications
  • PhD obtained within the past two years, or experienced postdoctoral fellows
  • Background in molecular biology, tumor immunology, immunology, or related fields
  • Strong expertise in molecular biology, cell signaling, RNA biology, gene regulation, bioinformatics, and genetically engineered animal models
  • At least one first-author publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
  • Ability to conduct independent research, lead projects, and manage experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation
  • Strong teamwork skills and effective communication in English
Application Materials

Interested candidates should email the following to Shi-Yuan Cheng (shiyuan.cheng@northwestern.edu):

  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • List of publications

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview and asked to provide contact information for three references, including the PhD advisor.

Positions are open until filled.

Compensation and Benefits
About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a world-renowned private research university located in Illinois, USA, consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States (currently ranked No. 9 nationally). The main campus is situated in Evanston, along the shores of Lake Michigan, adjacent to the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago. Northwestern’s schools of Journalism, Business, Law, and Medicine are located in downtown Chicago.

The Feinberg School of Medicine is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and is widely recognized as one of the top research-intensive medical schools in the United States. It is also among the most competitive medical schools nationwide in terms of applicant volume. With its strong affiliated hospitals—Northwestern Memorial Hospital ranks No. 1 in Illinois and No. 6 nationally—and hundreds of millions of dollars in annual research funding, Feinberg provides world-class resources for basic biomedical and translational research.

Northwestern University employs more than 5,600 full-time faculty members, including 28 members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 74 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 21 members of the National Academy of Engineering, and 6 members of the National Academy of Medicine. Distinguished current and former faculty include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, Kyoto Prize recipients, and internationally renowned scholars across disciplines.

Chicago Campus Environment

Northwestern’s Chicago campus is located near Michigan Avenue, one of the world’s premier commercial districts, and the scenic Lake Michigan waterfront. The surrounding area is vibrant, convenient, and widely regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

Chicago is a major cultural, commercial, and transportation hub in the Midwestern United States, with abundant museums, cultural landmarks, and tourist attractions near the university. The city is known for its diverse and international culinary scene, with numerous groceries and shops conveniently located near campus.

Public transportation is highly accessible, with eight CTA subway lines and more than 100 bus routes covering most areas of the city. Northwestern’s Chicago campus and affiliated hospitals are located near the Chicago Red Line station, and free shuttle services connect the Evanston and Chicago campuses for students and staff.

The university maintains a strong campus security presence, including dedicated police and security teams, extensive safety infrastructure, and escort services to ensure the safety of students and employees.