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.  

The successful candidate will develop and apply genetic engineering approaches in primary human and mouse T cells to define—and therapeutically overcome—the molecular, metabolic, and microenvironmental mechanisms that drive T cell dysfunction in liver metastases. The position offers the opportunity to integrate engineered T cell systems with clinically relevant tumor models, functional immune assays, in vivo studies, and single-cell and spatial profiling in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

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 gene delivery and genome editing in T cells.
• Develop robust viral and nonviral delivery workflows.
• Establish and optimize T cell phenotypic and functional characterization workflows.
• Test engineered T cell populations in preclinical models of small cell lung cancer and liver metastasis and assess persistence, functional state, and antitumor activity.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate functional studies with genomic, single-cell, spatial, imaging, and clinical data.
• Analyze and interpret data; present findings; contribute to manuscripts and grant-related activities; and maintain accurate records in accordance with institutional requirements.

Qualifications and Eligibility

• A PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, cancer biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, or a related field, and eligibility for a postdoctoral appointment at Northwestern University.
• Substantial hands-on experience with molecular cloning, cell culture, and genomic analysis.
• Expertise in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, base editing)
• A proven record of scientific productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, optimize technically demanding workflows, troubleshoot problems, analyze data critically, and communicate findings clearly.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience isolating, activating, expanding, transducing, or editing primary T cells.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas systems, guide RNA design.
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for analyzing genomic data.
• Background in immunology and cell biology.

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 in T cell engineering or genome editing, and career goals.
• A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Join us in developing engineered T cell approaches to uncover and overcome immune dysfunction in metastatic cancer. 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.