Staff Scientist

The Center for Immuno-Oncology functions is a translational research program focused on the development of novel immunotherapies for cancer. As such, the prospective Staff Scientist will have the primary responsibility of leading, planning, and executing research studying the mechanisms of tumor resistance to immune-based therapeutics in rare and difficult to treat cancers. Specifically, they will be tasked with determining factors that can enhance an immune response against tumors, and the subsequent design and implementation of preclinical studies using NK-based, T-cell based, and cytokine-based therapies.

In pursuit of these studies, the Staff Scientist will collaborate with multiple scientists and clinicians within the NIH and extramurally with the broader scientific community. The individual should be highly familiar with the design and execution of preclinical studies both in vitro and in vivo with syngeneic and humanized murine models, as well as the expansion, characterization, and ex-vivo modification of NK cells and T cells for cell-transfer approaches. Familiarity with the analysis of frequency and function of immune cells via multiplex flow cytometry and the characterization of the tumor compartment and stroma by multicolor immunohistochemistry techniques is required.

Lastly, this Staff Scientist will be expected to supervise and train personnel, including biologists, pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and other junior research personnel within the lab.

Prospective candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field and have at least five years of post-doctoral experience. A solid record of publications in the area of immunology and of presentations at national meetings in the area of immunotherapy is required.

Candidates should be able to work independently on multiple projects with high standards of timeliness and research quality. They should also be able to work as part of a team and possess strong people skills. Previous hands-on experience on the use of expanded flow cytometry panels, in vitro and in vivo functional assays for the analysis of immune subsets in the periphery and tumor environment, and multicolor fluorescent immunohistochemistry is highly desirable. Experience in the development and characterization of expanded NK cells and engineered T cells is preferred.

Salary and benefits are commensurate based on the incumbent’s qualifications and experience. The Staff Scientist is a full-time equivalent employment position. Full Federal benefits including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401k equivalent) will be provided. This position is located in Building 10, NIH Bethesda campus, Maryland.

This position is subject to a background investigation. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. DHHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.