Postdoctoral Fellow Position – Cancer Immunotherapies

University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship and interdisciplinary work

Access to core facilities (flow, genom

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Maryland School of Medicine seeks a postdoctoral fellow to advance translational cancer immunotherapy, focusing on dendritic cell biology and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. The role emphasizes independent, hypothesis-driven research within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD/MD-PhD in immunology or a related field with a strong publication record and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology or related discipline, preferably within the past three years.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent translational cancer immunotherapy research in a collaborative multidisciplinary lab.
• Perform multicolor flow cytometry and immune profiling experiments.
• Develop and test dendritic cell-based cancer vaccine strategies and related immunotherapies.
• Publish findings and present at national/international conferences.

Skills

Multicolor flow cytometry

Immune profiling

Dendritic cell biology

T-cell activation

Antigen processing & MHC presentation

DC-based cancer vaccines / immunology

Oncolytic virotherapy / virology

Tumor microenvironment analysis

Mouse tumor models

Molecular biology techniques

Bioinformatics / single-cell / spatial

Education

Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent in Immunology or Cancer Biology

Job description

Research Areas

Current projects within this collaborative program focus on:

• Dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy: Developing tumor-pulsed DC vaccines and investigating their potential to stimulate robust antitumor immune responses.
• Combination immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: Evaluating tumor-pulsed DC vaccines combined with oncolytic viral therapy to enhance tumor antigen presentation and antitumor immunity.
• Dendritic cell biology and antigen presentation: Defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating DC activation, antigen processing and presentation, and T‑cell priming.
• Oncolytic virotherapy and tumor–immune interactions: Investigating how oncolytic viruses modulate the tumor microenvironment and promote antitumor immune responses.
• Tumor microenvironment and immune suppression: Characterizing interactions among tumor cells, dendritic cells, myeloid cells, and lymphocytes that regulate antitumor immunity.
• Cancer-associated inflammation and immune dysregulation: Identifying inflammatory pathways that contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion.
• Translational cancer immunotherapy: Identifying therapeutic strategies that improve antitumor immunity and enhance the efficacy of combination immunotherapy.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, preferably obtained within the past three years.

The ideal candidate will:

Demonstrate a strong publication record and scientific productivity. Possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Be capable of conducting independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. Be highly motivated to pursue innovative, hypothesis‑driven research. Demonstrate enthusiasm for developing novel approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Be comfortable working collaboratively across laboratories and research disciplines.

Experience

• Multicolor flow cytometry and immune profiling.
• Dendritic cell biology (mouse and human), antigen presentation, and T‑cell activation.
• Tumor antigen processing and MHC class I and class II presentation pathways.
• Dendritic cell‑based cancer vaccines or other immunotherapy approaches.
• Oncolytic viruses, viral vectors, or virology.
• Isolation and characterization of immune cells from solid tumors and other tissues.
• Mouse models of pancreatic cancer and other malignancies.
• Molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blotting, RT‑qPCR, ELISA, and confocal microscopy.
• Bioinformatics, single‑cell technologies, or spatial biology approaches (preferred but not required).
• Candidates with experience in cancer immunology, dendritic cell biology, virology, or translational immunotherapy research are particularly encouraged to apply.

Research Environment

The University of Maryland School of Medicine provides a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment, with access to outstanding core facilities in flow cytometry, genomics, imaging, and animal research.

The postdoctoral fellow will benefit from mentorship and scientific interactions with investigators in both Rathinam & Nagalo laboratories, gaining interdisciplinary research experience at the interface of cancer immunology, dendritic cell biology, and oncolytic virotherapy. The position will provide opportunities to develop technical expertise, contribute to high‑impact collaborative research, present findings at national and international scientific conferences, and advance career development in cancer research and immunotherapy.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.