Post-Doc Research Associate

UNC-Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

1d

About The Position

An exciting opportunity is available in a translational tumor immunology lab at the UNC Department of Surgery. The research investigates how the host immune system contributes to pancreatic cancer development and progression to metastatic disease. The lab uses human research samples and mouse models to uncover how cancer suppresses innate and adaptive anti-tumor responses, with particular attention to tumor-draining lymph nodes, and to identify intervention opportunities that could lead to clinically feasible treatments. Long-term objectives include developing methods of immune reprogramming in tumor-draining lymph nodes to elicit effective anti-tumor responses.

The Postdoc Research Associate will advance strategic priorities in pancreatic cancer research, especially research into tumor-draining lymph nodes as drivers of local and systemic immune suppression and their therapeutic targeting. The selected candidate will contribute to a translational research program integrating human patient samples, single-cell and spatial profiling, mechanistic mouse models, and therapeutic development. The position will also help build the laboratory’s capacity to develop innovative immunotherapy strategies, generate preliminary data for competitive extramural funding, and translate preclinical discoveries toward clinical applications.

Requirements

• PhD-level candidate.
• Experience in cancer immunology.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about science.
• Quick and efficient learner who can think creatively and independently.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Previous experience with mouse modeling, small animal surgery, primary cell culture, and flow cytometry.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with techniques in cancer biology, immunology, mouse modeling, and cell biology.
• Bioinformatics experience.

Responsibilities

• Investigate mechanisms by which the host immune system contributes to pancreatic cancer development and metastatic progression.
• Study cancer-induced suppression of innate and adaptive anti-tumor responses, particularly in tumor-draining lymph nodes.
• Contribute to research integrating human patient samples, single-cell and spatial profiling, mechanistic mouse models, and therapeutic development.
• Support development of immunotherapy strategies and generate preliminary data for extramural funding.
• Contribute to translating preclinical discoveries toward clinical applications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree