Postdoctoral Associate – Germinal Center B Cell Competition and Derived Malignancies (*new* Mlynarczyk Lab)
We are seeking a self-motivated and science-driven postdoctoral associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Coraline Mlynarczyk, opening 7/1/2024 at Yale University. Our lab is part of the Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (Yale Cancer Center) and Department of Medicine (Yale School of Medicine), with pending affiliation with the Departments of Immunobiology and Pathology. At the interface between Immunology, Cancer and Metabolism, our inter-disciplinary team will tackle how immuno-metabolic deregulation of germinal centers shapes B cell lymphomagenesis.
Building on our recent discovery of supercompetition as a key mechanism of malignant transformation of germinal center B cells (Mlynarczyk et al Science 2023), (1) the candidate will uncover how reprogramming of T-B immune synapse signals drives B cell competitive fitness in germinal centers and yields B cell lymphomas that are addicted to microenvironmental cues. Based on the candidate’s prior experience and interests, additional projects will focus on (2) elucidating how germinal center B cells and derived lymphomas satisfy their metabolic needs to sustain intense growth and proliferation; and (3) dissecting the biochemical mechanisms underlying elevated mRNA translation rates in these cells. Opportunities are also available to develop a novel line of investigation.
Training. The candidate will benefit from the lab’s expertise in precise mouse modelling of the immune response and B cell lymphomagenesis, complex immunological assays, in vivo metabolic flux analyses and high-dimensional flow cytometry. The candidate will carry out functional experiments using mouse models, immune and tumor cells, B cell lymphoma patient-derived xenografts and primary samples. With our collaborators, the candidate will implement state-of-the-art spatial analysis of lymphoid tissues (including single-cell transcriptional and metabolic flux profiles) and single-cell phospho-proteomics.
Mentoring. In the Mlynarczyk lab, each mentee will have short and long-term career development plans and the opportunity to discuss needs, receive and provide feedback yearly (or as needed). Weekly one-on-one meetings will support research progress (focused on experimental design, problem solving, data analysis and interpretation) and continuous development of the mentees. Postdoctoral Associates will write research proposals and receive mentoring for putting together competitive applications, present their work at conferences to engage with the scientific community, contribute to writing manuscripts, publish in peer-reviewed journals and be encouraged to build new collaborations with interdisciplinary experts, locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Mlynarczyk has a strong track-record of mentoring postgraduate and graduate students, research technicians and peers, of obtaining peer-reviewed competitive funding and publishing high quality science. Additional mentoring from peers and faculty members will be available from exposure to other labs at Yale and beyond.
Philosophy. We envision to establish ourselves as a new, exciting, and welcoming lab, where everyone can share ideas, provide feedback, and mentor each other. We hope to recruit people that share this spirit and have the desire to facilitate the growth of a new lab and carry out innovative and rigorous science in an evolving field. Discoveries will involve teamwork within the lab and with external collaborators and we are looking forward to fostering a dynamic, diverse, inclusive, and flourishing lab environment, allowing everyone to grow as a scientist and person.
Environment. Our team will initially be composed of 4 members and will grow as our research advances. Our lab is located at 300 George Street, 6th floor. We share the floor with a combination of young and well-established groups, forming a highly interactive, rich, and vibrant environment for trainees. An open laboratory space, shared floor lounge area and conference rooms will provide the space for fruitful interactions. The newly renovated and fully equipped mouse facility as well as flow core facility are located on the 2nd floor. There will opportunities to participate in multi-lab meetings, journal clubs, departmental research-in-progress seminars, and scientific retreats. Additionally, trainees will be integrated into the thriving research, education, and health-care communities as well as training and well-being programs across Yale University.
Qualifications. Applicants must have a recently obtained/upcoming PhD or MD/PhD degree in a relevant field and one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Applicants should have experience in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics/genomics or related fields. Experience with mouse work is encouraged but not required if the candidate wants to learn. Most important qualifications are high self-motivation, having a curious mind, enjoying doing science, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Candidates should also be highly organized, honest and reliable, have good attention to detail, be able to multi-task and perform both independently as well as in a team environment.
Responsibilities include:
- Conceptualization, designing and progressive independent execution of experiments to streamline the project’s aims
- Active participation in lab meetings, journal clubs, improving the team’s knowledge
- Providing input and guidance to more junior lab members
- Active fostering of cooperative projects with lab members and external collaborators
- Submitting fellowship applications and contributing to the lab grant proposals
- Helping with lab organization and upkeep, including mouse colony maintenance.
Compensation starts at $68,000 plus benefits. Start date is flexible.
How to apply. Candidates should send an email to [email protected] with “postdoctoral position, candidate’s full name” in the subject line and the following:
1. CV
2. Cover letter: brief statement of research experience, interests, motivation to join our lab and career goals.
3. Representative publications
4. Contact information for 3 references
Interested individuals are also welcome to reach out with any questions. We will review applications on a rolling basis starting June 10.
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Website coming soon.
Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.