Job Description
Dr. Kazusa Ishii’s laboratory at the Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO), Center for Cancer Research (CCR) studies gene-engineered T cell therapy for various cancers, in particular hematologic malignancies. We 1) discover and study T cell receptors (TCRs) for the treatment of cancers, 2) investigate the mechanisms and biological processes that explain different functional readouts of various engineered T cells and disease responses, and 3) are preparing for the clinical translation of our new TCR-engineered T cell therapy into early-phase clinical trials at the NIH. Research studies have the potential for direct clinical application. Our projects are deeply embedded in the understanding of the intersection between immune tolerance, cancers, and virology (for cancers driven by viral oncoproteins/oncogenes).
A postdoctoral fellow position is available for the study of identifying differential genetic determinants of leukemia resistance to different receptor-based T-cell therapy and to determine synergistic effects of combining multiple receptors to overcome heterogenous leukemia cells. For individuals interested in the clinical-translation aspects of our program, a project of discovering and characterizing tumor-targeting TCRs is available. Our projects involve various immunological assays using live mammalian cells (T-cell co-culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, bioluminescent imaging, etc.), murine in vivo models of adoptive cellular therapies, gene engineering of mammalian cells, various molecular biology assays, high-resolution imaging approaches, gene expression profiling, and single-cell analysis.
We closely collaborate with two groups and hold joint lab meetings where the postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to network, interact with and give presentations to larger groups of scientists who study different aspects of T cell biology, adoptive cellular therapies, and other cancer immunotherapies.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
A solid background in immunology, molecular and cell biology, and/or biomedical engineering is required. Candidates are required to have self-motivation, organization skills, and communication skills.
T cell biology, animal work, familiarity with bioinformatics
About the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside. Read more about CCR, the benefits of working at CCR and hear from our staff on their CCR experiences.
Bethesda
Bethesda is one of the most highly educated communities in the United States and has a nationally renowned school system. The city is a thriving suburban center close to Washington, D.C., and home to many restaurants, retailers and a flourishing arts and entertainment district.