Research Scientist I – Dr. Patrick Hwu Lab

Moffitt; Tampa, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL invites applications for a Research Scientist I in the Dr. Patrick Hwu Lab. This onsite, full-time role focuses on hypothesis-driven studies in CAR-T/TCR-T engineering and T-cell biology, with opportunities to mentor junior staff.

You will design independent projects, develop engineered T-cell products, analyze multi-omics data, and contribute to publications and grant proposals in a collaborative, translational cancer research environment.

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.

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 analysis
• Integrate multi-omics data
• Analyze and interpret data
• Mentor junior researchers and communicating scientific concepts effectively
• Support other laboratory projects
• Collaborating across disciplinary teamwork

Skills

T-cell biology

CAR-T / TCR-T engineering

Flow cytometry analysis

Molecular & cellular biology

Data analysis (R/Python/GraphPad)

Scientific communication

Mentoring/supervision

Education

PhD or MD in Immunology / cancer biology / molecular biology

Tools

Lentiviral gene transfer

Retroviral gene transfer

Multiparameter flow cytometry

GraphPad Prism

R / Python

Job description

## Research Scientist I – Dr. Patrick Hwu LabApply: Onsite: Vincent Stabile Research Building: Full time: Posted Today: R-4793### 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.**Summary**The 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 analysis* Integrate multi-omics data* Analyze and interpret data* Maintain research records* Contribute to publications and grant applications.* Mentor junior researchers and communicating scientific concepts effectively* Support other laboratory projects* Collaborating across disciplinary teamwork**Credentials 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 coverage **How 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 - $118,976.00