Postdoctoral Fellow - Tumor Antigen Discovery

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace. Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999.
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.

Summary

The Jaeger Lab in the Department of Molecular Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center is seeking highly motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. This position will integrate molecular oncology and tumor immunology in a highly multidisciplinary research program. The Jaeger Lab uses sophisticated mouse models, cutting edge mass spectrometry, next generation sequencing, patient derived organoids and clinical specimens to identify and characterize patterns of antigen presentation in the tumor microenvironment.

Following up on our previous work (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04839-2), we have developed novel mouse strains that enable precise interrogation of protein synthesis and antigen presentation from cancer cells in vivo. Using these mouse strains, the lab will explore the fundamental relationships between gene expression, protein translation, and antigen presentation throughout tumor evolution. In parallel, the Jaeger Lab uses human cells and clinical samples to explore opportunities to translate our findings in mouse models to the clinical setting. Insights gained from these experiments will provide a blueprint for designing novel immunotherapies including cancer vaccines, tumor targeting antibodies, and adoptive cell therapies. Research in the lab incorporates both fundamental basic science and translational cancer research and lab members are expected be fully engaged with all aspects of the lab including experiments, lab operations, and maintaining a healthy, collaborative, and fun lab culture.

Position Highlights:

• Work with cutting-edge mass spectrometry, next-generation sequencing, and imaging techniques.
• Dynamic, interdisciplinary, and collegial environment with numerous basic and translational collaborations.
• Highly engaged mentorship to ensure effective training and scientific growth.
• Ample opportunity to contribute to publications.
• Position is in a new lab with high growth potential and increased responsibility over time.
• Unique access to clinical samples and interactions with clinicians at the cutting edge of cancer treatment.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience in tumor immunology, genetically engineered mouse models, protein purification, organoid culture and/or immunopeptidomics.
• Eager to learn techniques related to mass spectrometry, protein purification, multiplexed imaging, next generation sequencing library preparation, and immunology.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate experiments and lab duties independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others and communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities:

• Performs experiments under the supervision of Dr. Jaeger.
• Contributes to the preparation of manuscripts, grants, administrative and research compliance documents.
• Assists in maintaining mouse colony breeding and record keeping.
• Technically responsible for the collection, organization and permanent documentation of data in physical and electronic formats.
• Responsible for data analysis using standardized procedures and protocols and under minimal supervision.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• Minimum of an M.D. or Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques including tissue culture, PCR, immunoblotting, and nucleic acid/protein extraction.
• Candidates with experience working with mice will be strongly considered.
• Candidates with experience in next generation sequencing library preparation will be strongly considered.
• Candidates with experience in immunology techniques will be strongly considered.

Interested applicants should send their CV, recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Alex Jaeger (alex.jaeger@moffitt.org).