Postdoctoral Research Fellow
About The Position
A full-time Post-Doctoral Fellow position is available at the University of British Columbia in the Underhill group to investigate mechanisms of immune resistance and therapeutic response in a soft tissue cancer. Working in collaboration with Polymorphic Biosciences, the successful candidate will use syngeneic mouse models to define barriers to effective anti-tumor immunity and evaluate whether mRNA–lipid nanoparticle (mRNA–LNP) vaccination can generate antigen-specific immune priming and promote intratumoral immune engagement. The project combines tumor immunology, flow cytometry, spatial and molecular immune profiling using 10X Genomics Xenium (and 10X Genomics Atera, Fall 2026), and in vivo therapeutic studies to identify mechanisms underlying immune exclusion and resistance within immune-cold tumors. The Fellow will contribute to the development of translational decision frameworks that inform future mRNA-based immunotherapy strategies and combination approaches. The appointment is for 24 months and is supported through a Mitacs Accelerate partnership with Polymorphic Biosciences.
Requirements
- PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
- Experience in murine models.
- Experience in flow cytometry.
- Experience in spatial transcriptomics and/or cancer immunology.
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively.
- Ability to engage with the academic community and biotechnology sector.
Responsibilities
- Investigate mechanisms of immune resistance and therapeutic response in soft tissue cancer.
- Use syngeneic mouse models to define barriers to effective anti-tumor immunity.
- Evaluate whether mRNA–lipid nanoparticle (mRNA–LNP) vaccination can generate antigen-specific immune priming and promote intratumoral immune engagement.
- Combine tumor immunology, flow cytometry, spatial and molecular immune profiling using 10X Genomics Xenium (and 10X Genomics Atera, Fall 2026), and in vivo therapeutic studies to identify mechanisms underlying immune exclusion and resistance within immune-cold tumors.
- Contribute to the development of translational decision frameworks that inform future mRNA-based immunotherapy strategies and combination approaches.
- Apply for external funding opportunities.
Benefits
- Minimum yearly stipend of $75,000
- Benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
