Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist – Viral Engineering and Oncolytic Virotherapy

University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nagalo Lab at the University of Maryland seeks a skilled Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist to advance the field of viral engineering and oncolytic virotherapy. This dynamic role involves developing viral vectors for cancer treatment, specifically targeting pancreatic cancer, and requires collaboration with a diverse team in a burgeoning research environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, or related field required.
• Experience in reverse genetics systems, especially VSV.
• Strong molecular biology skills including cloning and PCR.

Responsibilities

• Design and characterize recombinant VSV-based vectors.
• Conduct in vivo efficacy studies using pancreatic cancer models.
• Analyze tumor virotherapy responses.

Skills

Molecular Biology Skills

Reverse Genetics

Cloning

PCR

Western Blot

Viral Genome Manipulation

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or related field

Job description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist – Viral Engineering and Oncolytic Virotherapy

Location: University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC), Baltimore, MD

Principal Investigator: Dr. Bolni Marius Nagalo

Position Summary:

The Nagalo Lab at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Scientist with expertise in viral engineering and rescue using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) reverse genetics systems. This position is part of a dynamic, translational research program focused on engineering oncolytic viruses to target pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and modulate the tumor microenvironment for enhanced immunotherapy responses.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of viral vector development and cancer immunology, contributing to NIH-funded projects involving VSV platform optimization, immune modulation strategies, and preclinical efficacy studies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, rescue, and characterize recombinant VSV-based vectors using reverse genetics techniques.
• Perform molecular cloning, virus rescue, titration, and in vitro infection assays.
• Conduct in vivo efficacy studies using orthotopic murine and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of pancreatic cancer.
• Analyze tumor virotherapy responses, including viral biodistribution, immune infiltration, and therapeutic outcome.
• Collaborate with immunologists, oncologists, and bioengineers within the UMGCCC.
• Prepare data for manuscripts, grant applications, and conference presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Virology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in reverse genetics systems, especially with VSV or other negative-strand RNA viruses.
• Strong molecular biology skills including cloning, PCR, western blot and viral genome manipulation.
• Evidence of productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in preclinical cancer models, particularly orthotopic murine models of PDAC or humanized xenografts.
• Knowledge of tumor immunology or immune profiling techniques (flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine assays, etc.).
• Familiarity with BSL-2+ practices and animal protocol development.

Application Instructions:

Please send a single PDF containing your CV, a brief statement of research experience and interests (1–2 pages), and contact information for three references to Dr. Bolni Marius Nagalo by clicking 'Apply now'. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore and the University of Maryland School of Medicine are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. We value diversity and how it enriches our academic and scientific community and strive toward cultivating an inclusive environment that supports all employees.