Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer Immunology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a highly motivated and talented Post-Doctoral Fellow with strong interests in translational cancer research to join a dynamic research team. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be responsible for initiating and conducting groundbreaking research projects in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of scientific and clinical investigators. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in immunology, cancer biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, or molecular epidemiology.

This position will be in support of Dr. Cara Schafer's laboratory at the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP) Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR). The Schafer lab focuses on uncovering immune biomarkers and spatiotemporal immunogenomic relationships in the tumor microenvironment. The lab aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms and biomarkers in the field of cancer immunology, single-cell and spatial multi-omics, and cancer metabolism. In understanding how the immune system changes over time, in both the tumor and in circulation, with disease progression and in response to military and environmental exposures, we anticipate that this can be leveraged therapeutically. CPDR has a close collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Genitourinary Malignancies Branch (GMB), where Dr. Schafer also has an adjunct appointment.

We are seeking an individual with expertise in cancer immunology and interests in translational cancer research. This position will provide excellent career building opportunities including development of scientific presentation and writing skills, development of leadership skills in collaborative research setting, participation in fellowship and grant submissions as well as research presentations at national and international meetings.

The primary laboratory research projects will include:

• Evaluating the single-cell and spatial immune and molecular landscape of prostate cancer
• Characterizing the T and B cell repertoire in patient biospecimens
• Understanding the role of radiation therapy on immune surveillance
• Conducting in vitro immune co-culture studies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
• Discerning the immunologic status (chemokines and cytokines in the serum) and lymphocyte repertoire in the development of prostate cancer and in response to environmental and military occupational exposures.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Assist in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
• Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
• Perform laboratory research using experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures.
• Collect and handle samples and keep detailed records of experiments.
• Prepare data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Perform duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator including experimental design.
• Ability to analyze data and interpret results.
• Candidate should have relevant knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, and immunology.
• Skillsets include cell culture models, molecular assays, and in vivo models.
• The laboratory works with large-scale multi-omics data to explore cancer signaling pathways.
• Experience or willingness to learn basic bioinformatic analyses are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust background clearance.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,100-$65,500. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.