Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Rashidian Lab

MFS Investments; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to design, engineer, and characterize novel protein-based immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Rashidian Lab collaborates with Harvard Medical School to translate discoveries into therapies, with opportunities for independence and collaboration.

Located in Boston, this position supports interdisciplinary work across immunology, protein engineering, and translational medicine, with potential for

Qualifications

• PhD (or anticipated) in a relevant field is required.
• Strong research experience in protein engineering and/or immunology.
• Experience with recombinant proteins or antibody engineering.
• Proven publication record and scientific creativity.
• Excellent communication, independence and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead an innovative project on design, engineering and functional characterization of novel protein-based immunotherapeutics.
• Work with teams in immunology, protein engineering, cancer biology and clinical oncology.
• Advance discoveries toward clinical development through collaboration and rigorous experimentation.

Skills

Protein engineering

Immunology

Molecular biology

Cellular immunology

Antibody engineering

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Independent work

Collaborative mindset

Education

PhD in protein engineering, immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or related discipline

Job description

We are recruiting a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to develop next-generation protein-based immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The Rashidian Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School is an interdisciplinary research group working at the interface of protein engineering, immunology, and therapeutic development. Our research focuses on designing innovative protein-based technologies to manipulate immune responses, enhance the efficacy and durability of cellular immunotherapies, and develop new therapeutic strategies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Building on our recent discoveries in engineered immunotherapies and immune signaling, we are launching exciting new projects with significant potential for biological discovery and clinical translation.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will lead an innovative research project focused on the design, engineering, and functional characterization of novel protein-based immunotherapeutics. The position offers substantial scientific independence, opportunities to develop new therapeutic concepts, and close collaboration with experts in immunology, protein engineering, cancer biology, and clinical oncology.

Our ongoing programs span engineered cytokines, therapeutic fusion proteins, and novel approaches to controlling immune-cell signaling, with opportunities to advance promising discoveries toward clinical development.

Who We Are Looking For

We particularly encourage applications from PhD candidates approaching their dissertation defense and scientists who have recently completed their PhD.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A PhD (or anticipated PhD) in protein engineering, immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong research experience in protein engineering and/or immunology.
• Experience with recombinant proteins, antibody engineering, molecular biology, cellular immunology, or related techniques.
• A strong publication record appropriate to career stage, scientific creativity, and enthusiasm for developing new therapeutic approaches.
• Excellent communication skills, independence, and a collaborative mindset.

Expertise in both protein engineering and immunology is not required. We are particularly interested in outstanding candidates who bring deep expertise in either field and are excited to expand their skills.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead ambitious, high-impact research in a collaborative and scientifically stimulating environment. Our laboratory combines fundamental mechanistic discoveries with therapeutic engineering and translational research, providing an excellent setting for scientists interested in developing innovative medicines.

Selected Recent Publications

• Nature Biotechnology (2024). A CAR enhancer increases the activity and persistence of CAR T cells. PMID: 39079964
• Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2026). Antigen-IL-2 CAR-enhancer drives CAR-T fate and stemness, enhancing antitumor efficacy across models independent of IL-2Rα. PMID: 41708145
• Nature (2025). CD45-PET is a robust, non-invasive tool for imaging inflammation. PMID: 39843738
• Science Translational Medicine (2025). Antigen-Fc fusion therapy reduces severity of a model of pemphigus vulgaris without systemic immunosuppression. PMID: 40864682

Learn more about our research: https://labs.dana-farber.org/rashidianlab/

We welcome applications from enthusiastic scientists who are excited to push the boundaries of protein engineering and immunotherapy.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$72,000.00 - $76,385.00