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Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Cancer Biology, Immunology, and Signal Transduction

September 22, 2026

A postdoctoral scientist position funded by NIH grants is available in the laboratory of Dr. Diana Saleiro at Northwestern University in Chicago. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong research experience and productivity in cancer biology, immunology, and signal transduction using both in vitro and in vivo models. Additional experience with single cell assays and some computational background would be desired but not required.

Our laboratory is interested in basic and translational research on regulation of resistance mechanisms to immunotherapies, focusing on melanoma. Our goal is to translate these findings into personalized targeted and immunotherapies, contributing to increasing cancer patients’ response rates and survival. Specific research areas include regulation of interferon signaling in tumor and immune cells, identifying and characterizing novel immunosuppressive proteins, evaluating and characterizing novel therapeutic strategies in preclinical cancer mouse models, and performing immune cell-tumor cell killing studies using state-of-the art technologies. Some of our work includes Nat Commun2022;13(1):1750; Cancer Res Commun 2023;3(5):943-951; Mol Cancer Res 2023;21(4):332-344; Mol Cell Biol. 2025;45(9):395-418 and JCI Insight. 2026 Jan 27;11(5):e190031.

The postdoctoral scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. Analyzes and interprets data. May assist in the preparation of grant proposals and apply for own grant funding. Participates in publications and presentations as first author or co-author.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Designs and performs experiments. Will keep appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results.
  • May develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
  • Analyzes interpret, summarizes, and compiles data.
  • Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout the training period.
  • Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.
  • May participate in publications and presentations as first author or co-author.
  • May assist in the preparation of grant proposals and apply for own grant funding under mentorship.
  • Work with and guide students, laboratory technicians and work as part of a team to help with the day-to-day operations of the lab.

Requirements:

  • Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email the following materials to Diana Saleiro, PhD at diana.saleiro@northwestern.edu:

  • A cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience in Cancer Biology, Immunology or Signal Transduction, and career goals.
  • A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications.
  • Contact information for three professional references.