Our lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our translational research team. The overall goal of our lab is to improve the lives of head and neck cancer patients through translational research and inspire and train the next generation of physician-scientists and scientists.

Our mission is to contribute to the scientific understanding of head and neck cancer by using preclinical models and patient tissue samples, and explore novel ways to reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment for therapeutic benefit. Our main areas of research include: 1. RNA nano-vaccines for head and neck cancer: We use preclinical models to investigate the effects of novel therapeutics on the tumor immune micro-environment. We are developing personalized therapeutic mRNA nano-vaccines for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer and thyroid cancer. Our lab aims to understand the anti-tumor mechanisms of these vaccines by investigating effects on immunosuppressive myeloid cells. We anticipate initiation of human clinical trials of our vaccine formulations within the next year and are establishing GMP manufacturing at Cleveland Clinic. 2. Oral microbiome and the tumor immune-microenvironment: We are investigating the role of oral bacteria and their effects on oral cancer growth and progression via immunologic interactions. We utilize preclinical models of oral cancer and human tissue samples for our experiments. We hope to identify potential microbial targets that can be used to develop therapies for patients.

Principal Investigator: Natalie Silver, MD MS

Lerner Research Institute Department: Center for Immunotherapy

Lab Research Topics:

• Cancer microbiome
• Cancer immunology
• Head and Neck cancer
• mRNA vaccines
• For more information about the lab’s research, please visit: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/immunotherapy/silver/ or contact Dr. Silver at [email protected].

Job Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
• Able to design projects independently, analyze and interpret data
• Prepare figures and prepare manuscripts
• Able to perform basic and advanced laboratory techniques
• Immunology experience is helpful

Education:

• PhD or MD/PhD required
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD

Languages:

• English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status

Work Experience:

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting.  Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience

Additional Preferred Qualities:

• Cancer biology experience is helpful

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
• Ability to distinguish color
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory

Preferred Application Materials:

• CV
• Research Statement
• Writing Sample
• References

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI, Immunology, Cancer, Head and neck cancer, RNA vaccines, Translational research, Cancer biology