The Laboratory for Cancer Immunology, led by Dr. Chozha Rathinam, and the Viral Engineering & Translational Laboratory, led by Dr. Bolni Nagalo, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join their collaborative research program.
This multidisciplinary research project brings together complementary expertise in cancer immunology and viral engineering to investigate tumor–immune interactions and develop innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for solid tumors, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
A major focus of this collaboration is the development of tumor-pulsed dendritic cell (DC) vaccines in combination with oncolytic viral therapy. The research will investigate how oncolytic viruses modify the tumor microenvironment, enhance dendritic cell activation and antigen presentation, and promote effective antitumor T-cell responses. The overarching goal is to overcome tumor-associated immune suppression and develop more effective combination immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer.
The successful candidate will work closely with investigators in both laboratories, contributing to an interdisciplinary research program that integrates cancer immunology, dendritic cell biology, virology, and translational immunotherapy.
Research Areas
Current projects within this collaborative program focus on:
- Dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy: Developing tumor-pulsed DC vaccines and investigating their potential to stimulate robust antitumor immune responses.
- Combination immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: Evaluating tumor-pulsed DC vaccines combined with oncolytic viral therapy to enhance tumor antigen presentation and antitumor immunity.
- Dendritic cell biology and antigen presentation: Defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating DC activation, antigen processing and presentation, and T-cell priming.
- Oncolytic virotherapy and tumor–immune interactions: Investigating how oncolytic viruses modulate the tumor microenvironment and promote antitumor immune responses.
- Tumor microenvironment and immune suppression: Characterizing interactions among tumor cells, dendritic cells, myeloid cells, and lymphocytes that regulate antitumor immunity.
- Cancer-associated inflammation and immune dysregulation: Identifying inflammatory pathways that contribute to tumor progression and immune evasion.
- Translational cancer immunotherapy: Identifying therapeutic strategies that improve antitumor immunity and enhance the efficacy of combination immunotherapy.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, preferably obtained within the past three years.
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate a strong publication record and scientific productivity.
- Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Be capable of conducting independent research while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
- Be highly motivated to pursue innovative, hypothesis-driven research.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for developing novel approaches to cancer immunotherapy.
- Be comfortable working collaboratively across laboratories and research disciplines.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is required:
- Multicolor flow cytometry and immune profiling.
- Dendritic cell biology (mouse and human), antigen presentation, and T-cell activation.
- Tumor antigen processing and MHC class I and class II presentation pathways.
- Dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines or other immunotherapy approaches.
- Oncolytic viruses, viral vectors, or virology.
- Isolation and characterization of immune cells from solid tumors and other tissues.
- Mouse models of pancreatic cancer and other malignancies.
- Molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blotting, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and confocal microscopy.
- Bioinformatics, single-cell technologies, or spatial biology approaches (preferred but not required).
Candidates with experience in cancer immunology, dendritic cell biology, virology, or translational immunotherapy research are particularly encouraged to apply.
Research Environment
The University of Maryland School of Medicine provides a highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment, with access to outstanding core facilities in flow cytometry, genomics, imaging, and animal research.
The postdoctoral fellow will benefit from mentorship and scientific interactions with investigators in both Rathinam & Nagalo laboratories, gaining interdisciplinary research experience at the interface of cancer immunology, dendritic cell biology, and oncolytic virotherapy. The position will provide opportunities to develop technical expertise, contribute to high-impact collaborative research, present findings at national and international scientific conferences, and advance career development in cancer research and immunotherapy.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Dr. Chozha Rathinam at crathinam@som.umaryland.edu:
- A cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
