Postdoctoral Scholar, Radu Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to the development of RNA-LNP cancer immunotherapy platforms in the Caius Radu lab. The role combines mechanistic studies with translational aims in a highly collaborative environment.

The lab explores dendritic cell biology, CD8 T-cell responses, and preclinical cancer models to advance RNA-based immunotherapies toward clinical translation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related field.
• Experience with flow cytometry and immunology assays.
• Experience with murine cancer models or vaccination.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Human primary immune cell work and TCR analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct mechanistic and translational studies of RNA-LNP-based cancer immunotherapies.
• Characterize innate and adaptive immune responses in human and murine systems.
• Evaluate therapeutic efficacy in preclinical tumor models.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publication.
• Participate in collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects.

Skills

Cellular immunology

T-cell biology

Antigen presentation

Cancer immunotherapy

Education

PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or related field

Tools

Multiparameter flow cytometry

Immune cell culture

Functional immunoassays

Job description

Salary Range

$71,491/yr. - $85,736/yr.

Application Window

Open date: October 14, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The laboratory of Professor Caius Radu in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics and the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at UCLA is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to the development of novel RNA-lipid nanoparticle (RNA-LNP) cancer immunotherapy platforms.

Our research investigates the mechanisms governing innate and adaptive antitumor immunity, with a particular emphasis on dendritic cell biology, antigen-specific CD8 T-cell responses, and murine and human immunology. We integrate mechanistic studies in human and murine immune systems with preclinical cancer models to develop innovative RNA-based immunotherapies for future clinical translation.

The Radu laboratory is affiliated with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI) and the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC). Professor Radu also directs JCCC's Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology, and Theranostics (CMINT) Research Program. These affiliations provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations spanning fundamental cancer biology, immunology, and translational therapeutics.

We seek exceptional scientists who are passionate about fundamental discovery and driven to translate scientific insights into transformative cancer treatments.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct mechanistic and translational studies of RNA-LNP-based cancer immunotherapies.
• Characterize innate and adaptive immune responses in human and murine systems.
• Evaluate therapeutic efficacy in preclinical tumor models.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publication.
• Participate in collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects.

Research Environment and Mentorship

Our laboratory emphasizes scientific creativity, intellectual rigor, and collaborative discovery. We operate through a "team of teams" model, bringing together complementary expertise from academic laboratories and industry to address important scientific problems. Postdoctoral Scholars have substantial freedom to develop innovative approaches within our shared research objectives. We encourage unconventional ideas supported by strong scholarship and rigorous experimentation. We place particular importance on recruiting scientists who contribute to the success of their colleagues. Trainees are expected to engage intellectually beyond their own projects and learn how to build productive scientific collaborations. Our mentorship strategy emphasizes the development of scientific independence and leadership. We seek individuals with the potential to become leaders in the field of cancer immunotherapy who can identify important scientific problems, make significant discoveries, and ultimately build and lead successful research teams.

Applicants Should Submit

A curriculum vitae (CV)

A brief statement of research interests and career goals

Contact information for three references

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong background in cellular immunology, particularly T-cell biology, antigen presentation, or cancer immunotherapy.
• Experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, immune cell culture, and functional immunological assays.
• Experience with murine models of cancer or vaccination.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity and strong analytical and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with human primary immune cells, including dendritic cells and T cells.
• Expertise in antigen-specific T-cell assays, cytotoxicity measurements, and immune cell functional characterization.
• Experience with high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics, or TCR repertoire analysis.
• Familiarity with RNA therapeutics, lipid nanoparticles, or cancer vaccines.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Reference check authorization release form – Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• UCLA Mission Statement – As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education. The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows: Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles Expand our reach as a global university Enhance our research and creative activities Elevate how we teach Become a more effective institution Prompt for candidates for recruitment: Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference Requirements

3 required (contact information only)

Candidates should include 3 references (contact information only).

Help Contact

[e-mail]

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affi­cat­ive Action and Nondis­crimination in Employment

Job Location

Los Angeles, CA