Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-32076-176

Salary: According to UAW/Mount Sinai agreement, effective 7/1/25 starting salary $74,692

Department: 866 – Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy

Location: Hess – 1470 Madison Ave., 5^th Floor, New York, NY 10029

Department website: https://icahn.mssm.edu/about/departments-offices/immunology-immunotherapy

Laboratory website: https://www.thebrownlab.org/

The Merad and Brown Laboratories are are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research program focused on understanding and therapeutically targeting the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment. The project will employ cutting-edge Perturb-map spatial functional genomics approaches to systematically identify genes and cellular pathways that regulate tumor–immune interactions within the PDAC microenvironment. The overarching goal is to discover novel immunotherapy targets and identify genetic and cellular mechanisms that can be leveraged to enhance responses to existing therapies, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of functional genomics, cancer immunology, spatial biology, and in vivo cancer modeling, with opportunities to develop and apply innovative approaches to human tumor specimens and genetically engineered and transplantable mouse models of PDAC. Candidates with strong backgrounds in molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, genomics, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Technical Duties: (include any protocols) 

·  Perturb-map library generation and molecular biology.  Design, clone, and validate Perturb-map CRISPR/perturbation libraries and develop and validate genetic perturbations in tumor and tumor-microenvironment cell populations.

·  Cell culture and functional genomics. Culture and genetically manipulate pancreatic cancer cell lines, primary cells, and immune/stromal cell populations. Perform pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens and functional assays. Characterize candidate genes and pathways identified through Perturb-map screens.

·  Human PDAC tissue analysis.  Analyze human pancreatic tumor specimens to validate candidate genes, pathways, and cellular interactions identified through functional genomic studies. Apply spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and other spatial profiling technologies to characterize tumor architecture and cellular states. Integrate spatial molecular datasets with functional genomic perturbation data to identify clinically relevant therapeutic targets.

·  Preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Perform in vivo perturbation studies and evaluate candidate therapeutic targets. Conduct tumor growth, immune profiling, and treatment-response studies, including studies of immune checkpoint blockade.

·  Data analysis and scientific communication. Integrate molecular, spatial, cellular, and in vivo datasets to identify mechanisms controlling the PDAC tumor microenvironment. Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials and present findings at scientific meetings. Mentor students and contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. required
• Experience working in a research laboratory setting

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the ISMMS and the Sinai Postdoctoral Organizing Committee - UAW. 

Wages and benefits: See Article 5 and 13 of The collective bargaining agreement found online at https://sinaipostdocunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/12-17-23-SPOC-UAW-_-Mount-Sinai-Tentative-Agreement-FINAL-PDF.pdf.