Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Ellison Medical Institute • Los Angeles, CA

6d • $71,000 - $98,000

About The Position

The Convergent Systems Research Department is a interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians working collaboratively across the Ellison Medical Institute’s intellectual ecosystem to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics. The department develops innovative therapeutic assays, imaging systems, and analytical tools, with responsibilities spanning the full design lifecycle—from ideation and protoyping to piloting, validation, and the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you will play a central role in both technology development and therapeutic research at EMI. You will apply your immunology expertise to interpret and contextualize data generated by a newly developed instrument aimed at advancing our understanding of T cell activation in research and clinical settings. In parallel, you will contribute to the evaluation and advancement of therapeutic development efforts, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure these technologies and insights translate effectively to healthcare applications.

This is a two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension based on research progress. Periodic travel to the UK will be required, typically 1-3 times per year.

Requirements

• PhD in Immunology, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pathology, Translational Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, or related field or MD with substantial research experience in a relevant discipline.
• 4–6 years of hands-on immunology research experience (including doctoral training), with demonstrated expertise in T cell biology and activation.
• Proven track record designing and executing cellular assays, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to experimental strategy in fast-paced, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with T cell activation assays and core immunological techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, cytokine measurements). Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret quantitative biological experiments with rigor and reproducibility.
• Experience analyzing complex biological datasets; effective collaboration with engineers, data scientists, and clinicians; and proficiency in experimental troubleshooting, documentation, and scientific reporting. Ability to work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams, with excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and Execute T Cell Activation Experiments: Plan, perform, and interpret T cell activation studies using novel imaging-based approaches, including optimization of activation conditions and functional readouts.
• Develop and Validate Imaging Assays: Lead the refinement, qualification, and validation of imaging-based assays to interrogate immune cell behavior in both research and translational settings.
• Integrate Multimodal Data: Synthesize imaging data with flow cytometry, molecular, and functional assay outputs to build a comprehensive understanding of T cell activation and function.
• Analyze High-Dimensional Datasets: Independently analyze complex datasets and collaborate with engineering and data science teams to enhance data quality, throughput, and interpretability.
• Serve as Immunology Subject-Matter Expert: Provide scientific leadership in assay design, troubleshooting, and experimental execution across multiple programs.
• Drive Experimental Optimization and Reproducibility: Perform root-cause analyses to identify technical or biological sources of variability and implement strategies to improve robustness and reproducibility.
• Lead Projects from Concept to Milestones: Define and execute project plans with clear objectives, timelines, and success metrics to advance program goals.
• Document and Communicate Scientific Results: Maintain detailed experimental records, contribute to SOPs and validation documentation, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate and Contribute Scientifically: Partner with cross-functional teams and clinical collaborators, contributing to publications, presentations, and scientific discussions that shape platform and assay development.

What This Job Offers

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