Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Immuno-Oncology

Overview

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral Research Fellows in immuno-oncology – Novel cancer immunotherapies

Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibition and adoptive T cell therapies, represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer, inducing impressive responses in diverse malignancies. However, not all patients respond to current immunotherapies and novel therapeutic approaches are needed to circumvent these obstacles.

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow positions are available in the Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The successful applicants will join a collaborative team that combines clinical research, animal modeling, computational biology and multiplexed immuno-histochemistry to understand the basic mechanisms of antitumor immunity and apply them to the development of novel immunotherapies.

This research program includes the laboratories of: Dr. Aude Chapuis, a translational immuno-oncologist who specializes in adoptive T cell therapies; Dr. Anthony Rongvaux, an immunologist who develops innovative humanized murine models to study the tumor/immune interface; Dr. Raphael Gottardo, a biostatistician with expertise in high-dimensional single cell data analysis; and Dr. Robert Pierce, a pathologist and expert in tumor microenvironment analyses who previously developed tissue-based biomarkers for Merck’s anti-PD-1 pembrolizumab antibody.

Our research is focused on understanding the biology and improving clinical outcomes after immune-boosting treatments. Human adoptive immunotherapy trials are initiated and being conducted using the robust Fred Hutch clinical platform. We are performing detailed analysis of patient outcomes to inform next-generation trials. , and developing humanized murine models of checkpoint inhibition and adoptive T cell therapy against solid and liquid cancers. We are using single cell RNA sequencing, genome editing and genomic screens in humanized murine to understand how anti-tumoral immunity functions, why it fails in some patients, and how we can overcome current limitations. We use multiparametric immunohistochemistry to validate humanized mouse results in humans, using a large biorepository of annotated patient specimens.

The scientific questions being addressed include:

• How can we arm tumor-specific T cells to enhance their efficacy upon adoptive transfer in patients?
• Can we modulate the immunosuppressive properties of cells found in the tumor microenvironment, particularly macrophages?
• Can we identify additional immune checkpoints and develop novel inhibitors?

The overall objective of this interdisciplinary project is to provide the scientific basis for future clinical trials, leveraging Fred Hutch’s continuing leadership in the design, clinical testing and commercialization of successful anticancer drugs and immunotherapies.

Qualifications

Desired skills and experience of the applicants:

• PhD or MD/PhD degree in Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Cellular & Molecular Biology or a closely related field
• Strong knowledge/understanding of basic immunology
• Advanced training and experience with animal procedures, flow cytometry, primary cell isolation and culture, molecular biology and/or computational immunology

The successful candidates will be scientifically driven individuals who enjoy working in a highly collaborative environment, with a track record of productive research, demonstrated by at least one first author publication, and with excellent communication skills.

Please apply online with a letter summarizing previous work experience, personal strengths and future interests, a resume, and contact information for three professional references.

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We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and VEVRAA Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans. If due to a disability you need assistance/and or a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to our Employee Services Center at escmail@fredhutch.org or by calling 206-667-4700.