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Postdoctoral Fellow
Postdoctoral Position to Develop Protein-Based Therapeutics at UCSD Full-time NEW
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Handel laboratory at UCSD for a period of two years with the possibility of renewal. We seek a highly motivated individual to lead the development and testing of protein therapeutics designed to reprogram the tumor microenvironment towards an antitumoral state that promotes tumor elimination. Responsibilities of the postdoc will be to design and produce the protein therapeutics, characterize their in vitro efficacy using cell-based assays, investigate their in vivo efficacy using murine models of cancer and evaluate their mechanisms of action by profiling the cell composition and inflammatory status of the tumor microenvironment pre- and post-treatment. Although the Handel lab has traditionally focused on structural and signaling mechanisms of chemokine receptors, the project is more translational and related to the following publication: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.24.650529v2. The postdoc will also be expected to participate in career-building professional activities including attending seminars and/or conferences, giving presentations, providing written progress reports, writing papers and working with the PI on grant applications and reviews. A competitive salary based on the NIH scale will be offered along with full health benefits.
Required qualifications include a PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical science or a related field. and a strong publication record reflecting the candidate’s commitment to rigorous research and productivity. The candidate must also have strong skills in molecular biology and protein biochemistry to express and purify novel proteins or protein conjugates, and in conducting cell-based assays of receptor signaling. Skills in conducting in vivo experiments are desirable but not required although the candidate must have a desire to develop such skills as they constitute a vital component of the project. Familiarity and/or skills in computational and/or structural biology would also increase the candidate’s competitiveness. Strong communication skills (verbal and written), organizational skills, and commitment to conducting rigorous well-controlled experiments is also a requirement of the position. For those with the requisite qualifications, priority will be given to applicants that are available as soon as possible, preferably by May 1, 2026.
The Handel laboratory conducts highly interdisciplinary work where lab members support each other and provide cross-training while working on independent research projects. The lab has or has access to state-of-the-art equipment for conducting the proposed studies. The PI is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment, and to mentoring postdoctoral fellows and graduate student trainees so that they are well-positioned for successful future careers in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.