As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

275 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400166 Cancer Center M&D

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110 H

Compensation Range:

$29.33 - $41.06

Responsibilities:

The Staff Scientist will take a leading role in our cellular therapy research focused on allogeneic CAR-T and CAR-NK approaches for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This person will independently manage major parts of the project, including validating CAR-T cells we receive from collaborators, overseeing T-cell and NK-cell engineering, large-scale expansion, and in vivo studies. The position involves significant responsibility for experimental planning, data analysis, regulatory paperwork, contributing to grants, and training/supervising other lab members. The Staff Scientist is expected to help drive the scientific direction of the project and support its translational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Independently leads major components of the CAR-T/CAR-NK research program. Designs and runs experiments to validate collaborator-derived allogeneic CAR-T cells in PDAC models, and helps set project priorities in discussion with the PI. Plans and executes complex experiments involving T/NK cell engineering, vector production, G-Rex expansion, flow cytometry, IncuCyte assays, and NSG mouse studies.
• Contributes to grant writing (including NIH applications) and prepares necessary regulatory documents (IRB, IACUC, and IBC).
• Analyzes experimental data, interprets results, and evaluates their significance for the overall program. Writes up findings and makes substantial contributions to manuscripts (with expectation of co-authorship or senior authorship when appropriate).
• Oversees day-to-day scientific work on the cell therapy project. Develops and improves protocols, maintains high standards for data quality and record-keeping, and troubleshoots technical issues as they arise.
• Trains and supervises postdocs, technicians, students, and other lab members in specialized techniques (vector work, G-Rex culture, multi-color flow cytometry, IncuCyte, NSG models, patient sample processing). Provides ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Stays current with the field by reading literature, attending meetings, and presenting data at lab meetings, collaborator calls, and scientific conferences.
• Helps manage project resources like ordering reagents and supplies, coordinating equipment maintenance, tracking spending, and assisting with budget planning in consultation with the PI.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Gene Therapy, Molecular Biology, or a related field and 2 years of relevant postdoctoral training required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Hands-on experience with in vivo mouse work (especially NSG or similar immunodeficient models) and experience preparing IACUC protocols is strongly preferred. Experience with IRB submissions related to laboratory research is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong background in cancer immunology or cellular immunotherapy preferred.
• Hands-on experience with T-cell and/or NK-cell engineering, vector design and production, CAR-T/CAR-NK activation and expansion (including G-Rex systems), flow cytometry, and IncuCyte (or similar live-cell analysis) preferred.
• Experience analyzing patient samples from cell therapy studies preferred.
• Solid technical skills in both in vitro and in vivo experimental work preferred.
• Experience working with solid tumors is preferred.
• Grant writing experience is preferred.
• Clinical trial related research experience is preferred.
• Experience with PDX models or organoids is preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.