Job Description

The Reinherz lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School is recruiting a research associate in a post-doctoral position to study CD8 T-cell targeting of human tumor cells via immunopeptidome shift technologies in conjunction with novel T cell receptor (TCR) mechanobiology. This approach is predicated on the recent understanding that TCR performance in mediating ligand recognition and cytolytic function is 1) dependent on physical load emanating from cellular motion during immune surveillance and 2) truncal neoantigens are generally poorly if at all expressed. This new knowledge will allow us to circumvent cognate recognition impediments that foster tumor escape naturally. We use an interdisciplinary approach combining molecular and structural biology with modern immunology to generate insights that can be translated rapidly from bench to bedside. The team works with immuno-oncologists treating lung and other malignancies, affording access to patient samples and large tumor databases. Specific research areas of interest include development of optimized strategies for efficient and specific tumor killing without requirements for vaccines or adoptive T-cell therapies. The laboratory provides a rich training environment and access to cutting-edge techniques in adaptive immunity linked to deep TCR structure-function knowledge.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• The postdoctoral fellow/scientist will work on human patient-derived tumor samples, cell lines and normal and patient blood to evaluate tumor display and adaptive T-cell recognition before and after immunopeptidome shift induction.
• The postdoctoral fellow/scientis will be aided by experts in biochemists and mass spectrometry to identify tumor targets.
• Immunological assessment of the relevant CD8 T cells to recognize shifted tumor targets and the repertoire of those T lymphocytes recognizing tumor cells shall be performed using scRNAseq and paired TCR sequencing.
• FACS analysis by multiparameter flow, functional real time CTL assays, retroviral/lentiviral transduction of TCRs and measurement of performance are key methodological skills involved.

• Highly motivated candidates with a recent PhD or MD/PhD in biomedical sciences and significant experience in cellular immunology and molecular biology are encouraged to apply.
• Technical experience in T-cell immunology and methods to examine immune responses (measurement of killing, cytokine production, proliferation, and multicolor flow cytometry) are essential.
• Skills in molecular cloning, retroviral/lentiviral transduction, T cell culturing techniques and 10X or equivalent single cell platforms are also required. 
• Candidates should have a publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• We are seeking a candidate with a considerable background in adaptive T-cell immunity, excellent writing, and communication skills, able to work independently but also effectively with other lab members.
• Applicants should include a short statement of research goals, CV and three references with their application.

This position is now funded, and we seek to hire someone for this exciting and novel effort ASAP.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to under-served members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

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