Research Scientist I – Dr. Patrick Hwu Lab
About The Position
The Research Scientist I is a non-tenure-track researcher responsible for conducting experiments or directly overseeing experimentation as part of a research team, under the general guidance of an Investigator. The position is devoted to research and related support activities focused on the goals of the laboratory. The researcher designs and conducts studies, applies findings to draw conclusions, and demonstrates technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration, and independent thought. The role addresses problems of moderate scope, exercises judgment within established procedures, provides basic scientific and technical advice to work groups or project teams, and may supervise less experienced professionals, technicians, or aides. In Dr. Patrick Hwu’s lab, research focuses on genetically engineered T-cell therapies and novel immune receptors to improve tumor recognition, overcome immune suppression, and address metabolic stress in the tumor microenvironment. The goal is to enhance cellular immunotherapy for difficult-to-treat solid cancers. The Research Scientist will conduct hypothesis-driven research involving CAR-T designs, T-cell engineering, and strategies to overcome barriers to adoptive cell therapy, using approaches spanning molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, immunology, and preclinical cancer models. The role includes leading and contributing to research projects, developing potential translational therapeutic strategies, and contributing to publications, grants, presentations, intellectual property, and junior researcher mentorship.
Requirements
- Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
- At least two years of postdoctoral fellowship or post-Ph.D. scientific experience in T-cell immunology and/or cancer immunotherapy.
- Demonstrated experience with preclinical tumor models and supporting or performing in-vivo therapeutic studies.
- Demonstrated experience in T-cell biology and CAR-T or TCR-T cell engineering, including lentiviral and/or retroviral gene modification of primary T cells or other immune cells.
- Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, compensation, analysis, and interpretation of high-dimensional datasets.
- Experience developing and applying functional assays to evaluate immune-cell activation, cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and proliferation.
- Strong experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
- Experience integrating and interpreting flow cytometry, molecular, functional, and/or multi-omics datasets to address complex biological questions.
- Experience analyzing and visualizing data using GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or equivalent software.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and scientific communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and contribute effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
- Commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, ethical research practices, and continuous professional development.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, or other junior researchers.
- A strong record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or contributions to intellectual property.
Responsibilities
- Design, conduct, and lead independent research projects.
- Develop, optimize, and characterize genetically engineered T-cell products using lentiviral and retroviral gene-transfer approaches.
- Perform molecular and cellular analyses.
- Integrate multi-omics data.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Maintain research records.
- Contribute to publications and grant applications.
- Mentor junior researchers and communicate scientific concepts effectively.
- Support other laboratory projects.
- Collaborate across disciplinary teams.
- Investigate mechanisms of T-cell activation, persistence, dysfunction, tumor resistance, and immune suppression in engineered T-cell therapies.
- Develop and evaluate therapeutic strategies with potential translational and clinical applications.
- Contribute to scientific presentations and intellectual property.
Benefits
- Eligibility for an annual Team Member Incentive.
- Eligibility for an annual Team Member Merit Increase.
- Inclusive benefits package covering health, financial, and lifestyle needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
