Research Scientist I – Dr. Patrick Hwu Lab

Moffitt Cancer Center; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Moffitt Cancer Center is a leading research institution in Tampa, FL, focusing on innovative T-cell therapies. This Research Scientist I role advances CART designs, T-cell engineering, and translational strategies to overcome tumor resistance in solid cancers.

You will work within the Hwu Lab to drive independent projects and collaborate across a multidisciplinary team. The position emphasizes hypothesis-driven research, rigorous data analysis, and mentorship of junior staff, with opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in T-cell biology and CART/TCR-T engineering.
• Experience with preclinical tumor models and in-vivo studies.
• Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry and data interpretation.
• Strong analytical and scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research projects.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize engineered T-cell products.
• Perform molecular and cellular analyses and integrate multi-omics data.
• Mentor junior researchers and collaborate across teams.
• Contribute to publications and grant applications.

Skills

T-cell biology

CAR-T/TCR-T engineering

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology

Data analysis (R/Python)

Preclinical tumor models

Education

PhD, MD or equivalent

Tools

Lentiviral/retroviral gene transfer

Job description

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times’ Top Workplaces.SummaryThe Research Scientist I is a non-tenure track researcher who assumes the direct responsibility of conducting and performing experiments or directly overseeing experimentation as part of a research team under the general guidance of an Investigator. The position's only activity is research and related support activities with efforts focused on goals of the laboratory they are part of.Designs and conducts studies applying findings to draw conclusions.Demonstrates potential for technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought. Works on problems of moderate scope in which analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.Provides basic scientific/technical advice to individuals within a work group/project team.May supervise less qualified and/or experienced professionals, technicians, or aides who assist in specific assignments.The Hwu Lab develops genetically engineered T-cell therapies and novel immune receptors to improve tumor recognition, overcome immune suppression and combat metabolic stress within the tumor microenvironment, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of cellular immunotherapy against difficult-to-treat solid cancers.Position Highlights:Conduct innovative, hypothesis-driven research focused on novel CART designs, T-cell engineering strategies, and approaches to overcome biological barriers that limit efficacy of adoptive cell therapies in solid tumors.Apply an integrated approach combining molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, immunology, and preclinical cancer models.Lead and contribute to independent research projects investigating mechanisms of T-cell activation, persistence, dysfunction, tumor resistance, and immune suppression in the context of engineered T-cell therapies.Develop and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies with potential for translational and clinical applications.Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, grant applications, scientific presentations, and intellectual property, as well as the mentorship of junior researchers.The Ideal Candidate:Demonstrated experience in T-cell biology and CAR-T or TCR-T cell engineering, including lentiviral and/or retroviral gene modification of primary T cells or other immune cells.Proficiency in multiparameter flow cytometry, including panel design, acquisition, compensation, analysis, and interpretation of high-dimensional datasets.Demonstrated experience developing and applying functional assays to evaluate immune-cell activation, cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and proliferation.Strong experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.Experience integrating and interpreting flow cytometry, molecular, functional, and/or multi-omics datasets to address complex biological questions.Experience analyzing and visualizing data using GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or equivalent software.Strong record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or contributions to intellectual property.Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and scientific communication skills.Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.Experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, research assistants, postdoctoral fellows, or other junior researchers.Commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, ethical research practices, and continuous professional development.Responsibilities:Design and conduct and lead independent research projects.Develop, optimize, and characterize genetically engineered T-cell products using lentiviral and retroviral gene-transfer approaches.Perform molecular and cellular analysisIntegrate multi-omics dataAnalyze and interpret dataMaintain research recordsContribute to publications and grant applications.Mentor junior researchers and communicating scientific concepts effectivelySupport other laboratory projectsCollaborating across disciplinary teamworkCredentials and Qualifications:PhD., M.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.A minimum of two (2) year’s total experience as a postdoctoral fellow or as a post-PhD science experience in T-cell immunology and/or cancer immunotherapy.Demonstrated experience with preclinical tumor models and supporting or performing in-vivo therapeutic studies.Moffitt Cancer Center is an NCI-designated comprehensive Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan city. With its vibrant economy and diverse culture, Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Join the many who have already discovered what makes Tampa one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the US.Moffitt Team Members are:· Eligible for an annual Team Member Incentive· Eligible for an annual Team Member Merit Increase· Have an Inclusive Benefits package - Health, Financial, & Lifestyle coverageHow to Apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Patrick Hwu.Salary Range$74,339.20 - $118,976.00Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.Moffitt Career SiteIf you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,then we have a place for you!1. Equal Employment OpportunityMoffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.2. Reasonable AccommodationFederal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Moffitt endeavors to make moffitt.org/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact one of the Human Resources receptionists by phone at 813-745-7899 or by email at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.Read more information about your EEO rights under the law.Transparency in Coverage Rule