Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Valurupalli Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vallurupalli Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is recruiting postdoctoral fellows for wet-lab research at the intersection of cancer immunology, glycobiology, and functional genomics. We welcome applicants with a recent PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in immunology, chemical biology, or molecular biology.

You will design and execute independent experiments, develop CRISPR screening platforms and glycoengineered models, analyze complex data with computational scientists, present findings at

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology or related field.
• At least one first-author publication or preprint.
• Strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret a program of independent wet-lab research with mentorship.
• Develop experimental systems including CRISPR screening platforms and glycoengineered models.
• Analyze high-dimensional datasets with computational scientists and build fluency to interrogate your data.
• Present results at lab meetings and conferences; prepare first-author manuscripts.
• Contribute to fellowship and grant applications; pursue independent funding.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Independent project

Communication skills

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD

Tools

CRISPR screening

Job description

The Vallurupalli Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is recruiting postdoctoral fellows for wet-lab positions at the intersection of cancer immunology, glycobiology, and functional genomics.

We welcome postdoctoral fellows interested in applying functional genomics and cutting-edge tools to dissect leukemia and immune cell interactions. Requirements are a recent PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in immunology, chemical biology, or molecular biology.

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret a program of independent wet-lab research, with mentorship from the principal investigator.
• Develop and optimize experimental systems, including CRISPR screening platforms, glycoengineered cell models, and immune co-culture assays.
• Analyze complex, high-dimensional datasets in collaboration with computational scientists, and develop sufficient computational fluency to interrogate your own data.
• Present results at lab meetings, institutional forums, and national and international conferences.
• Prepare first-author manuscripts for publication and contribute to collaborative projects.
• Contribute to fellowship and grant applications and be supported in applying for independent funding (F32, K99/R00, and foundation awards).
• Mentor research associates, graduate students, and summer scholars, and contribute to a supportive lab culture.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, chemical biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field.
• A record of productive, rigorous research, including at least one first-author publication or preprint.
• Strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a project independently, troubleshoot, and think creatively about experimental design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Particularly Relevant Experience (not Required)

• Primary human immune cell culture and functional immune assays (T cell, NK cell, or macrophage).
• CRISPR screening, including library design, screen execution, and analysis.
• Glycobiology, carbohydrate chemistry, or lectin-based methods.
• Cell surface or proximity-labeling proteomics and mass spectrometry.
• Antibody engineering, protein engineering, or CAR design.
• Advanced microscopy, including live-cell or super-resolution imaging.
• Programming in R or Python for the analysis of genomics or proteomics data.

Environment and support

Our lab sits within highly collaborative scientific community. Fellows have access to Dana-Farber's clinical and translational infrastructure and patient samples, the Broad Institute's genomics, proteomics, and imaging platforms, and a wide network of collaborators across Harvard and MIT. Postdoctoral fellows receive salary and benefits per Dana-Farber Cancer Institute postdoctoral guidelines, along with dedicated support for conference travel, career development, and the transition to independence.

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.

EEO Poster

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