Postdoctoral Associates in Immunotherapy and Focused Ultrasound

Position Summary 
The laboratory of Michael King in the Department of Bioengineering is relocating from Vanderbilt University to Rice University in Summer 2024, and is seeking TWO motivated, innovative Postdoctoral Scholars to advance our groundbreaking research into the mechanotransduction of cancer and immune cells, helping to translate these technologies from in vitro research to preclinical in vivo studies and collaborative clinical studies. The scope of research of the first position involves the development of new cellular processing technologies that use fluid shear stress to dramatically enhance the activation and utility of T-cells and dendritic cells for improved, next generation cancer immunotherapies. The scope of research of the second position involves the application of high frequency focused ultrasound to mechanically and noninvasively stimulate cancer and immune cells in vitro and in mouse models of metastatic cancer. 

As a senior researcher and national leader within the bioengineering community, Professor King has built an extensive network of former trainees, collaborators and colleagues in academia and leading pharmaceutical and biomedical companies. This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and a major award from the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

Successful candidates should have a track record of impactful publications, a desire to lead one or more independent research projects consistent with the goals of the King Lab, and a willingness to share your expertise, and train and mentor students.

We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated the ability to lead and/or work collaboratively in teams comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, medical physics, or bioengineering (first position), or immunology, cancer biology, or bioengineering (second position)
• No postdoctoral experience required
• Skills Required
  • Familiarity with animal models of cancer
  • Knowledge of cell and molecular biology laboratory techniques (for position 1)
  • Experience with high frequency focused ultrasound applied to therapeutic interventions (for position 2)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills 
  • Familiarity with laboratory skills, scientific rigor and ethics
  • A creative and adventurous attitude towards learning and developing new protocols and procedures

Essential Functions

• Develop new cellular processing technologies that use fluid shear stress to dramatically enhance the activation and utility of T-cells and dendritic cells for improved, next generation cancer immunotherapies (for position 1)
• Establish rodent models of metastatic cancer to test new immunotherapy approaches (for position 1)
• Employ high frequency focused ultrasound to noninvasively stimulate mechanosensitive ion channels in cancer and immune cells, as the basis of novel therapies to treat and eradicate metastatic cancer (for position 2)
• Develop rodent models of cancer to test the new therapeutic ultrasound approaches in vivo (for position 2)
• Train and supervise masters and undergraduate students who work on independent projects that complement the primary postdoctoral research goals
• Apply for eligible postdoctoral fellowships and contribute to larger grant applications to support new projects in the lab that we formulate together

Preferences

• Computational genomics experience
• Nanoparticle, nanomaterials, and microfluidics experience
• Formal education and training in immunology, cancer immunotherapy, or related field

About George R. Brown School of Engineering

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment.

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Workplace Requirements

Rice University HR | Benefits 

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Faculty and staff are expected (but not required) to have completed a full vaccination series for COVID-19 (currently defined as full course COVID-19 Vaccine (typically two shots of a WHO-approved COVID-19 Vaccine or one J&J) and a COVID-19 booster. Rice does not require documentation for COVID 19 vaccination at this time for faculty and staff. More information can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies