Position Description:

We're looking for those individuals-the creative thinkers and innovation seekers-who are content with nothing short of changing the world. Discover the endless opportunities within the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and be inspired by the work we can do together to improve health, and make a positive, daily impact in our communities.

Position Summary

Purpose: A Postdoctoral Fellow Position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Anthony E. Zamora in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The Zamora lab's research focuses on identifying ways to modulate the immune system to more effectively target and eliminate cancerous cells. Along these lines, the lab utilizes cellular-based engineering approaches that aim to increase the specificity of immune cells for their targets and at the same time decrease the likelihood of off-target toxicities.

Current research in the Zamora lab focuses on: (1) discovering tumor antigens that serve as immunogenic targets, (2) identifying the mechanisms involved in the immune system's ability to generate antitumor specificities, (3) characterizing the phenotypic, functional, and receptor repertoires of neoantigen-specific T cells, and (4) exploring ways to translate these findings to expand on the current therapeutic options used to treat cancer.

A major area of focus for this postdoctoral position will be to work on preclinical and translational studies focused on assessing the efficacy of novel CAR T cell therapies. Work for this project will consist of determining whether non-viral genome targeting approaches utilizing endogenous gene expression pathways show improved persistence, functionality, and safety when compared to traditional non-targeted viral gene delivery systems.

Experience with flow cytometry, PCR, RNA-seq, molecular cloning, cell culture, and other immunological techniques is required. Previous experience with sequencing, single-cell analysis, computational/bioinformatic analysis is highly desired.

This position is NOT RESTRICTED to permanent U.S. residents or citizens.

Characteristics of a postdoctoral appointment:

It is expected that postdocs at MCW, with the assistance of their supervisor, will:

• Transition to career independence through the development of professional skills that enable the postdoc to actively pursue a career of his/her own choosing.
• Be supervised by at least one senior scholar who actively promotes the postdoc's professional development.
• Establish an individual development plan (IDP) that incorporates equally the postdoc's career and training goals and the mentor's research goals.
• Pursue basic, clinical, or translational projects so long as effort is focused primarily on research.
• Publish results of the postdoc's research and scholarship during their appointment.
• The postdoctoral appointment is temporary by nature, the aggregate amount of time spent as a postdoc is recommended to not exceed five years (not including family medical leave or maternity/paternity leave).
• As postdocs are important members of the host institution's community, appropriate levels of compensation, health care, and other benefits commensurate with their essential status should be afforded, independent of the postdoc's source of funding.

Primary Functions

• Perform immunology and cancer immunotherapy experiments from design conception to data analysis and presentation of results.
• Prepare scientific papers and present scientific data at local and national meetings.
• Assist the principal investigator with preparing and reviewing grant applications.
• Plan, design and execute complex research studies, procedures and protocols.
• Participate in discovery projects.
• Develop new methodologies for lab procedures.
• Coordinate research study activities; lead and manage projects.
• Oversee organization, synthesis and analysis of data and findings.
• Prepare scientific reports, outcome findings and scientific manuscripts.
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff in which you will evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and design and evaluate lab procedures.
• Maintain supplies, may require negotiation with vendors, and track purchase orders.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction, delegation and establishing priorities.

Preferred Schedule:
Full-time role with expectations for coverage during core business hours and flexibility required as necessary to accommodate business needs.

Position Requirements:

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Understanding of general and advanced laboratory procedures, scientific approaches, and methodologies is essential.
• Experience with immunological, biochemical, molecular, and cellular techniques is required.
• Experience with sequencing and single-cell analysis is preferred; computational/bioinformatic experience is desired, but not required.
• Experience with handling of laboratory animals is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with grant coordinators to track and monitor spending is highly desired.
• Ability to develop and follow research protocols is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and share ideas with collaborators and researchers in other labs is required.
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, documentation, and record management.
• Data utilization, complex problem solving, critical thinking, resource management, and writing skills.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.

Organizational Structure

Building: MACC Fund Research Building, Suite 6072

Department: Medicine

Division: Hematology and Oncology

Reports to (Title): Principal Investigator - Dr. Anthony E. Zamora

Collaborates with (Titles): Rotating Students, Graduate Student Researchers, Research Staff

Specifications

Minimum Required Education: PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

Minimum Required Experience: No experience required

Preferred Education: PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, Systems Biology

Preferred Experience: Experience in immunology, molecular and cellular biology techniques. Immunology, molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, and/or cancer immunotherapy research. Computational Biology/Bioinformatics experience/research desired.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes.
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a full list of positions see:

For a brief overview of our benefits see:

Eastern Wisconsin is a vibrant, diverse metropolitan area. MCW is intent on attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce and faculty body that reflects the community we serve. We value diversity of backgrounds, experience, thought, and perspectives to advance excellence in science and medicine. MCW is a welcoming campus community with a strong culture of collaboration, partnership, and engagement with our surrounding community. For more information, please visit our institutional website at .

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MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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