Postdoctoral Research Associate - Immunology
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Summary
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Yongqiang (Yong) Feng in the Department of Immunology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Job description
The Feng laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern T-cell fate, immune tolerance, and disease-associated immune responses. Our research focuses on how gene-regulatory networks and Foxp3-dependent programs establish, maintain, and destabilize regulatory T (Treg) cell identity and function, and how these pathways can be harnessed to modulate immunity in disease.
The successful candidate will investigate how Treg cells regulate autoimmune inflammation, tissue stress responses, age-associated immune dysregulation, and anti-tumor immunity. In addition, the candidate will participate in developing synthetic and engineering-based approaches to precisely control and reprogram T-cell function for both basic and translational investigation. Research projects are supported by multiple NIH grants and span fundamental and translational immunology.
The laboratory combines cutting-edge approaches in mouse genetics, human T-cell biology, molecular biology, protein biochemistry, functional immunology, genomics, and synthetic immunology to uncover mechanisms of immune regulation and translate discoveries into innovative strategies for immune modulation. Current projects provide outstanding opportunities to address fundamental questions in T-cell biology while developing expertise across multiple disciplines.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital offers exceptional institutional support, state-of-the-art core facilities, and a highly collaborative scientific environment. Together, these resources provide an outstanding training platform for the next generation of immunologists. Trainees will gain broad experience in gene regulation, immune-cell function, disease pathogenesis, cancer immunology, systems biology, and synthetic approaches to immune engineering.
Requirements
- Ph.D. or equivalent research experience in immunology, T-cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, cell biology, developmental biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or related fields
- Highly motivated
- Capable of working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment
Company overview
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric research and treatment institution headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, dedicated to advancing cures for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, it stands as the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted exclusively to children. The hospital operates on a unique funding model where families never receive bills for treatment, travel, housing, or food, with costs exceeding $2 billion annually primarily supported by donations through its fundraising organization ALSAC. St. Jude treats approximately 8,600 patients each year from all 50 states and around the world, with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, sickle cell disease, and infectious diseases. The institution employs over 7,000 staff members and maintains eight affiliate clinics across the United States. Through its St. Jude Global initiative, the hospital shares research and treatment protocols internationally, partnering with more than 350 institutions in over 90 countries. St. Jude has been instrumental in increasing childhood cancer survival rates from 20% in 1962 to over 80% today, while maintaining a robust research program that includes gene therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and precision medicine approaches.