Postdoctoral Scholar - Cancer Immunotherapy

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 20 days ago
Location: Cleveland, OHIO

Entry Date: January 2025

Job code and Title: Postdoctoral Scholar

Department ID and Name: 694060 Pathology

School: Medicine

Location: Wolstein Research Building 2103 Cornell Rd. Cleveland, Oh

Supervisor Name and Title: Tyler E. Miller, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Postdoctoral Scholar will lead innovative research projects focused on the intersection of technology development, immunotherapy, spatial multiomics, and brain tumor biology. This position offers an exciting opportunity to advance translational research using cutting-edge spatial transcriptomic and proteomic technologies, patient-derived organoid models, and novel analytical approaches. The scholar will design and execute strategies to elucidate complex tumor-immune interactions and contribute to the development of transformative therapeutic approaches for brain tumor patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Technology and Methodology Development: Independently develop and optimize novel technologies and analytical methods, including spatial transcriptomics, multiplex immunofluorescence (e.g., CODEX/Akoya PhenoCycler), and innovative screening techniques for scalable analyses (40%).
  • Immunotherapy and Tumor Biology Research: Design and conduct experiments aimed at understanding tumor-immune interactions in patient-derived glioblastoma organoids and other preclinical brain tumor models (30%).
  • Data Integration and Analysis: Perform integrative analyses combining high-dimensional spatial and single-cell multiomics data to uncover novel biological insights, and translate these findings into impactful publications and presentations (15%).
  • Collaboration and Mentorship: Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment, provide mentorship to junior lab personnel, and actively participate in team-driven research projects (10%).

    • NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Lab Organization and Maintenance: Assist in the general maintenance of laboratory equipment and organization as needed (5%).

    • CONTACTS

    Department: Daily interaction with the principal investigator and lab members to discuss ongoing projects and results.

    University: Regular contact with collaborators across multiple departments and centers within the university. Occasional communication with administrative support and research offices.

    External: Occasional interactions with external collaborators, vendors, institutions, and funding agencies.

    Students: Regular interactions and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Provide mentorship and guidance to graduate students, research assistants, and other junior lab personnel.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.

    Experience: Demonstrated experience with immunotherapy, spatial multiomics platforms, or advanced bioinformatics. Experience in brain tumor research and patient-derived models is preferred but not required.

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Experience developing or utilizing advanced spatial multiomics technologies (e.g., spatial transcriptomics, CODEX, Akoya PhenoCycler).
  • Proficiency in single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional data analysis, bioinformatics tools, and programming languages (R, Python).
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret and integrate complex datasets.
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; capable of clearly presenting complex scientific data and collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
  • Commitment to fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive research environment.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. 
  • Familiarity with policies and procedures of lab and adhere to chemical and biological safety and manage them.
  • Must be able and willing to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and utilize protective gear to protect the health of the cellular models.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.

    • WORKING CONDITIONS

    The employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be provided. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required depending on project needs.

    HOW TO APPLY

    Applicants may send inquiries containing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications and contact information with references to the Principal Investigator, Tyler Miller at tymiller@case.edu .

    EEO statement 

    Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.


    Reasonable Accommodation
    Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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