The Thomas Laboratory in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research fellow to join our team. The laboratory investigates the biological mechanisms that govern cancer progression, metastatic colonization, tumor-microenvironment interactions, and therapeutic response, with a particular emphasis on small cell lung cancer and liver metastasis, tumor plasticity, metabolism, and immune resistance. Our research integrates mechanistic laboratory studies with human tumor samples and clinical observations to understand how cancers adapt to specific organs and how the metastatic microenvironment alters tumor cell state and therapeutic response.  

This position offers an opportunity to work with tumor models, genetically engineered mouse models, longitudinal in vivo imaging, molecular and cellular assays, functional perturbation approaches, and spatial and genomic profiling technologies to address clinically relevant questions in metastatic progression and treatment resistance.

A major priority of the laboratory is mentorship and progressive scientific independence. The laboratory has a strong track record of mentoring trainees who have led first-author projects, received competitive research awards, developed independent scientific niches, and progressed toward independent academic and translational careers. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to develop their own scientific questions, build collaborations, present at national and international meetings, pursue fellowship and career-development funding, and progressively establish an independent research program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, optimize, and execute experiments focused on cancer progression, metastatic colonization, tumor-microenvironment interactions, and therapeutic response.
• Develop and apply in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the cellular, molecular, metabolic, and immune mechanisms that regulate metastasis.
• Perform and analyze molecular and cellular assays, which may include cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, gene-expression analysis, and functional perturbation studies.
• Conduct rigorous data analysis and interpretation and contribute to high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate experimental models with genomic, single-cell, spatial, imaging, and clinical data.
• Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other internal and external forums.
• Lead manuscript preparation, grant-related activities, and the development of new research directions.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and conduct all research in accordance with institutional biosafety, animal-welfare, and research-integrity requirements.

Qualifications and Eligibility:

• A PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, genetics, biomedical sciences, or a related field, and eligibility for a postdoctoral appointment at Northwestern University.
• Strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, immunology, or a related discipline.
• A proven record of scientific productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data critically, troubleshoot technical problems, and communicate findings clearly.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with cell culture and in vivo cancer models and genetically engineered mouse models.
• Experience with flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, spatial profiling, single-cell approaches, or genomic analysis.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics or computational analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, or other high-dimensional data.
• Experience with functional genomics, gene editing, molecular cloning, or high-throughput screening.
• Background in tumor biology, metastasis, tumor immunology, metabolism, liver biology, or lung cancer.

Position Details:

• Location: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email the following materials to Anish Thomas, MD, at anish.thomas@northwestern.edu:

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

Join us in advancing the understanding of metastatic cancer biology and translating mechanistic discoveries into new therapeutic strategies. We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and innovative scientist to our team.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status.