Senior Research Scientist - Microbiology and Immunology

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Senior Staff Scientist to join our research laboratory led by Dr. Chien-Huan (Gil) Weng in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at VCU Health and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Our laboratory focuses on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, exploring both innate and adaptive immune pathways (such as T cell exhaustion, myeloid-stromal crosstalk, and tumor microenvironment immunosuppression) that compromise anti-tumor immunity. Our research aims to design novel approaches for cancer therapy and boost the efficacy of current immunotherapies.

Working under the direct guidance and supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Senior Staff Scientist will serve as a primary experimental lead in the laboratory. This position is responsible for executing complex high-dimensional experimental protocols, troubleshooting advanced scientific assays, generating preliminary data for NIH and foundation grant applications, and contributing data for high-impact peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will also assist with lab organization, protocol maintenance, and technical training for students and junior trainees.

• →Advanced Experimental Execution & Assay Development: Lead and execute advanced immunological and molecular techniques, including high-dimensional flow cytometry (FACS/spectral flow), primary cell isolation, immune profiling, bulk/single-cell RNA sequencing preparation, molecular cloning, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and functional T-cell and myeloid cell assays.
• →Translational Research & Human Specimen Analysis: Process and analyze clinical tumor and blood specimens from cancer patients in collaboration with Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center physician-scientists.
• →In Vivo & Cellular Phenotyping: Direct murine tumor models (syngeneic and xenograft), adoptive cell transfers, in vivo antibody treatments, tissue processing, and immune cell phenotyping.
• →Data Generation & Publication Support: Analyze complex datasets, maintain meticulous records, troubleshoot technical workflows, and prepare publication-ready figures and methods sections for manuscripts and grant proposals driven by the PI.
• →Operational Oversight & Technical Mentorship: Oversee mouse colony management, genotyping, biosafety/IACUC protocol compliance, specialized equipment maintenance, and reagent inventory. Train and mentor graduate students and research technicians on experimental methods under the PI’s direction.
• →Communication & Collaboration: Maintain open, clear communication with the PI and collaborative teams, presenting technical findings clearly during lab meetings and departmental seminars.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 – 10 years of post-doctoral or advanced post-degree wet-bench research laboratory experience in immunology, cancer biology, or relevant biomedical fields.
• Core Technical Competencies: Demonstrated expert capability in:
• Multiparameter flow cytometry (FACS) design, execution, and immunophenotyping.
• In vivo murine tumor models, tissue processing, and cell separation protocols.
• In vitro cell culture, immune functional assays to assess functional crosstalk between immune cells and tumor cells.
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extractions, qPCR, protein detection assays).
• Capacity to troubleshoot complex technical assays under PI direction
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical background in T cell biology, myeloid cell immunology, single-cell genomics, or spatial proteomics.
• Experience handling biospecimens and clinical trial samples.
• Record of author or co-authored contributions to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Excellent organizational skills and commitment to rigorous record-keeping and lab safety standards.

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