Cho Lab – Junior Specialist Full-time

Cho Lab – Junior Specialist

A research specialist opportunity is available at the University of California, San Francisco in the Cho laboratory. The Cho lab is part of the UCSF Department of Radiation Oncology, the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

In the Cho Lab, we are focused on understanding and engineering the rules of engagement between cancer and the immune system. We aim to creatively leverage these mechanistic discoveries to devise novel treatment strategies for cancer patients. Despite recent breakthroughs in cancer immuno- and radio-therapeutics, there remains a significant knowledge gap particularly with respect to how cancer cells and immune cells respond to therapeutic perturbations. Our work using novel mouse and human models combined with high parameter immune profiling reveal critical molecular and cellular circuits responsible for resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiation therapy, including a surprising role for T cells in exacerbating immune-suppressive inflammation engaging immune and malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment. We aim to leverage our expertise in molecular engineering and high parameter, single-cell profiling to understand key interactions at the tumor-immune interface to improve and innovate immune-based cancer therapy.

The major aims of our research program are:

1. To leverage high-parameter imaging and single cell proteomics to interrogate multicellular interactions in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
2. To interrogate molecular consequences of stereotactic radiation in cells comprising the tumor microenvironment
3. To engineer novel molecular and genetic tools toward construction of paradigm-shifting immunotherapeutics

This research specialist will perform lab research as necessary for chosen projects as well as share lab managerial tasks. The primary scientific project will focus on Aim 3, to engineer and test a new class of cellular immunotherapeutics we are developing. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution using mouse and human samples and models, scientific communication including detailed record keeping and analysis/presentation of data in lab meetings and journal clubs, and collaboration with other members of the lab as well as external collaborators. They will work closely with other lab members, participate in lab meetings, and contribute to general lab management tasks.

The specialist will also be encouraged to take advantage of other training and learning opportunities within the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the UCSF ImmunoX Program, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and other related entities at UCSF. We hope this experience will prepare the applicant for future opportunities in science.

Required Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. (or equivalent) in biology, immunology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, bioinformatics, computer science, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline (by time of hire)
• Strong self-motivation for curiosity-driven scientific research and study
• Flexibility and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team setting
• Attention to detail, with strong problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and writing skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Molecular cloning and cell culture experience
• Prior research experience in cancer immunology including mouse handling