Postdoctoral Scientist – Translational Immunology - Heeger Lab

CEDARS-SINAI; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Peter Heeger Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scientist in translational immunology focused on improving organ transplant outcomes. The role spans biomarker discovery, immunobiology studies, and translational clinical projects within an NIH-funded program.

The successful candidate will perform advanced immunology experiments, contribute to NIH-funded trials, and collaborate across basic and translational teams, with opportunities to publish and present

Qualifications

• Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization, required.
• Recent graduates with a doctoral degree and a strong background in Immunology, Molecular Biology, and/or Cellular Biology.

Responsibilities

• Designs and performs experiments.
• Maintains appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and compiles data.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Immune functional assays

ELISA

Primary cell culture

Single-cell sequencing

Bioinformatics

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Doctorate degree (PhD, MD, VMD or DDS) in related field

Job description

Job Description

Join the Research Team of Peter Heeger, MD at Cedars‑Sinai Medical Center!

Dr. Peter Heeger is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join his translational immunology research laboratory focused on improving outcomes for patients receiving life‑saving organ transplants.

About the Lab

Organ transplantation is the preferred treatment for end‑stage organ failure, yet long‑term graft survival remains limited, and the immunosuppressive therapies required to prevent rejection can significantly impact patients' health and quality of life.

Our research integrates basic immunology, translational science, and clinical investigation to develop biomarker‑guided, personalized approaches that improve transplant outcomes. By combining mechanistic studies with innovative clinical trials, we aim to reduce rejection, minimize medication‑related complications, and promote long‑term graft function and patient well‑being.

The laboratory has made important discoveries linking the complement system with T‑cell and B‑cell immune responses, identifying novel therapeutic targets for preventing and treating transplant rejection and other immune‑mediated diseases.

As part of an active, NIH‑funded research program, the team is leading multiple clinical trials in kidney, heart, and lung transplantation, using advanced proteomic, transcriptomic, and immune profiling technologies to understand mechanisms underlying patient outcomes and to develop next‑generation precision transplant therapies.

About the Role

Dr. Heeger is particularly interested in candidates with a professional background in immunology and transplantation immunobiology.

Working independently but in close cooperation and in consultation with the Principal Investigator and other Research Scientist, the Postdoctoral Scientist will perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period. The incumbent may develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols. The incumbent analyzes, interprets data, and may assist in the preparation of grant proposals. This position participates in publications and presentations as author or co‑author, but is not responsible for generating grant funding.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a scientist interested in translational immunology, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine in organ transplantation. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of translational transplantation research in a highly collaborative environment. The successful candidate will gain experience spanning fundamental immunology, biomarker discovery, translational science, and NIH‑funded clinical research, while contributing to innovations that have the potential to improve the lives of transplant recipients worldwide.

Researchers who are passionate about advancing precision medicine, immune regulation, and transplantation biology are encouraged to apply.

Please visit the lab website for more information.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs and performs experiments.
• Maintains appropriate experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator.
• Analyzes, interprets, summarizes and compiles data.
• Operates and maintains equipment and instruments.

Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate (MD, PhD, VMD or DDS) in area directly related to field of research specialization, required.
• We are seeking recent graduates with a doctoral degree and a strong background in Immunology, Molecular Biology, and/or Cellular Biology.

Experience and Skills:

• The candidate should be skillful in molecular and cellular laboratory techniques including flow cytometry, immune functional assays, ELISA, purification and culture of primary human cells, and single cell sequencing.
• Bioinformatics experience is a plus.
• The candidate must have strong written and oral communication skills, be highly motivated, independent, intellectually creative, and function well as part of a team.
• Candidates will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects and expand novel independent research projects in collaborative research environment.
• Acquires complete technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and objectives during one to five (1-5) year post‑doctoral appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection, and analysis, and operation of specialized equipment.
• Knowledge of safety standards and maintenance of equipment.