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The Facciabene Lab at the University of Pennsylvania (Department of Radiation Oncology, Abramson Cancer Center) is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our translational research program at the intersection of cancer immunotherapy, radiotherapy (RT), and microbiome modulation.

Our group investigates how the gut microbiome shapes systemic immune responses to RT and CAR-T cell therapy, and explores mitochondrial tumor-associated antigens (TAMAs) as novel targets for immune intervention. We combine preclinical tumor models, mechanistic immunology, and correlative human studies to develop microbiome-targeted interventions and next-generation immunotherapies.

Responsibilities:

+ Design and perform mechanistic studies in murine tumor models, including CAR-T + RT combinations and microbiome modulation (antibiotics, FMT, LBPs, IgY antibodies).

+ Apply advanced immunological techniques (multi-color flow cytometry, ELISPOT, cytokine/chemokine profiling, immune phenotyping of TME and peripheral blood).

+ Perform microbiome and metabolomic analyses in collaboration with the Penn/CHOP Microbiome Program (experience in metagenomic analysis would be a plus).

+ Contribute to the development of mitochondrial antigen-based immunotherapies and vaccines.

+ Collaborate closely with clinical investigators on ongoing and upcoming NIH-funded clinical trials.

+ Analyze data, prepare manuscripts, and present findings at internal meetings and international conferences.

Required:

+ PhD (or MD/PhD) in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field.

+ Hands-on experience with mouse tumor models and in vivo immune experiments.

+ Demonstrated proficiency in cellular immunology techniques (e.g., T cell assays, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, CRISPR, or related).

+ Strong publication record in immunology, oncology, or microbiome research.

+ Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred:

Background in Immunology, CAR-T or other adoptive cell therapies, radiotherapy biology, or microbiome/host interaction studies. Experience with omics approaches (metagenomics, RNA-seq, metabolomics) and computational data analysis. Familiarity with translational research and integration of preclinical with clinical datasets.

Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are welcome to apply.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio:

+ Curriculum Vitae (CV)

+ Cover letter describing research experience, career goals, and fit with the lab’s focus areas (cancer immunotherapy, radiotherapy, microbiome, mitochondrial immunology)

+ Contact information for 3 references (letters will be requested later if needed)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Andrea Facciabene ([email protected])

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.