Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Immunology & Stem Cell Engineering

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Blood Engineering Lab (BEL) at the University of Hong Kong is seeking a post-doctoral researcher (PhD, MD/PhD) experienced in cancer immunology, stem cell engineering, and other relevant areas to participate in translational research projects aimed at applying stem cell technology to engineer immune cells to remodel tumor microenvironment. Research projects involve, but are not limited to: 1) the design and production of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-immune cells from pluripotent stem cells; 2) the lineage trajectory of an elite clone of CAR-immune cells at the single-cell level; and 3) the responses at the CAR-immune cells by tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team of immunologists, cancer biologists, stem cell engineers, computational biologists, and clinicians at the University of Hong Kong.

The Blood Engineering Lab (BEL)

Dr. Rio Sugimura is an Assistant Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences at the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. He is an internationally recognized stem cell engineer, whose research focuses on the engineering of immune cells to target hepatocellular carcinoma, the regulation of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Dr. Sugimura is also a PI of the Centre of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Hong Kong. The BEL hosts an interdisciplinary environment of cancer immunology, stem cell technology, and informatics. The BEL was established in December 2020. Though a relatively young group, The BEL attracted a wealth of external grants, active collaborations internationally, and grew up to ten members within half a year.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in immunology, cancer biology/pharmacology or related fields;
• Expertise in immunology, cellular and molecular biology techniques, and animal handling; experience in informatics analysis will be favorably considered;
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team;
• Strong interpersonal skills and a track record of collaborative work in multidisciplinary research environments;
• Mastery of written and spoken English.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants should send the following materials by email to Dr. Rio Sugimura (rios@hku.hk):

• Cover letter indicating current and future research interests;
• Preferred start date;
• CV (including a list of publications and technical skills);
• Names and contact information of at least 2 references.

Please title the email subject as follows “LAST NAME – The BEL Postdoc Application”.