Postdoctoral Fellow - Chao Ma Lab

ccf; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic Health System seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Chao Ma Lab at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. The role involves training under a PI, hands-on research, and a focus on data generation, analysis and manuscript preparation.

The position follows NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale with a defined progression; compensation is tied to years of postdoc experience. Applicants should have a PhD or MD/PhD and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD required.
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD.
• Experience publishing research articles is expected.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Independent project design with data generation, analysis and interpretation.
• Publish research articles in high-impact journals and present findings at meetings.
• Contribute to grant writing, progress reports and papers.
• Mentor junior trainees and contribute to lab management and protocol maintenance.

Skills

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Communication skills

Research design

Education

PhD

MD/PhD

MD with lab experience may substitute

Tools

Microscopy

Cell culture

Bioprinting

Organoid culture

Job description

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.

We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.

Job Title

Postdoctoral Fellow - Chao Ma Lab

Location

Cleveland

Facility

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Job Code

X1004

Shift

Variable

Schedule

12:00am-12:00am

Job Summary

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. This position is appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years. Compensation follows the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale based on total years of postdoctoral experience.

Job Details

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale

Years of Experience: Stipend for FY 2026

0: $63,480
1: $63,900
2: $64,380
3: $66,948
4: $69,180
5: $71,748
6: $74,424
7 or More: $77,076

Principal Investigator: Chao Ma, PhD

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Cancer Sciences

Lab Research Topics:

• Organ-on-a-Chip, Microfluidics, Microphysiological system
• Hematopoietic Biology and Hematological malignancies
• Disease Modeling and Cancer Bioengineering
• Stem cell Biology, Synthetic Biology, Systems biology, Spatial Omics
• Biomedical/Mechanical/Tissue Engineering, 3D Printing

For more information about the lab's research, please visit: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/immunotherapy/ma/ or contact Dr. Ma at [e-mail]

Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Publish research articles in high-impact journals and present research results in national and international scientific meetings.
• Contribute to project development and collaboration, grant writing, progress reports, and papers.
• Contribute to lab management, protocol development and maintenance, and mentoring of junior trainees.

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Excellent writing and communication skills, able to work independently and effectively with other members in a productive team.
• Strong research expertise in molecular, cellular, or tissue engineering are preferred.
• Strong research expertise in immunology, immune-oncology, or immune-engineering are preferred.
• Strong research expertise in culture of stem cell or organoid are preferred.
• Strong training background in biomedical engineering, microfabrication, bioprinting, lab-on-a-chip and microfluidics are preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

• A cover letter summarizing past research experience and accomplishments
• Current and future research interests
• Career goals (2-page maximum)
• Current CV with publications
• Contact information of three references

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, Cleveland Clinic Research, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cell therapy and immune-engineering program (CTIP), Biomedical engineering, Cancer Bioengineering, Disease Modeling, Immunotherapy, Microfluidics, Organ-on-a-Chip/Lab-on-a-Chip, Pluripotent stem cell, CAR T-cell therapy

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility.

If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

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Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.