Post-doctoral Research Fellow – Tumor Immunology : Seattle, WA, United States

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer,HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIVVaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available immediately to join the laboratory of Dr. Edus H. Warren in the Clinical Research Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), Seattle, WA. The postdoctoral fellow will join an ongoing project to create expression vectors for the transfer of T cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) genes specific for the 5T4 tumor antigen into human T lymphocytes. The functional capacity of transgene expressing T cells for recognition of the 5T4 antigen on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor cells will be analyzed by standard in vitro cellular immunology assays for cytotoxicity and cytokine release and with a mouse model system using human RCC xenografts. This project is anticipated to support a first in human pilot clinical trial of transgene expressing T cell therapy targeting 5T4 in patients with advanced RCC.

The Hutchinson Center provides a highly interactive and supportive environment for junior investigators to grow and develop their future career; it consistently ranks in the top 20 best places to work for postdocs, as surveyed by The Scientist.

Applicants will have the following:
• Ph.D. degree in immunology, cellular and molecular biology, or a closely-related field.
• Significant experience with a broad range of standard molecular biology techniques involving isolation and manipulation of DNA, RNA, and cDNA; PCR; gene cloning; DNA sequencing using traditional Sanger methods; and construction of recombinant plasmid and viral vectors is essential.
• Familiarity with standard assays of immune cell function and analysis such as ELISA, ELIspot, 51Cr release-based cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometry.
• Experience with murine models of anti-tumor cellular immune responses will also be highly desirable.
• At least two first author, peer-reviewed publications.
The successful candidate will be a scientifically driven, well-organized self-starter with a track record of effective communication of previous work in both oral and written format.

Please apply with a letter summarizing previous work experience, personal strengths and future interests, a resume, and contact information for three professional references.