美国康涅狄格大学健康中心博士后职位—免疫学

美国康涅狄格大学健康中心博士后职位—免疫学

University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC)

Postdoctoral position in Department of Immunology

Postdoctoral position in Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center

Postdoctoral positions are immediately available to study inflammation and immunity in colorectal cancer development. The Wang laboratory aims to uncover mechanisms of cross communication between immune cells and cancer cells using a variety of technologies and approaches. Current projects focus on the role of tumor-associated inflammation in regulating colorectal cancer development and therapeutic efficacy. We have three ongoing projects:

1. To test the direct signaling of interleukin-17 (IL-17) on regulatory T cells (Tregs). Both IL-17 and Treg cells are important players in cancer. A direct impact of IL-17 on Treg has not been reported. We aim to use advanced mouse genetic tools and multiple models of colorectal cancer to study the impact of IL-17 signaling on Treg biology and colorectal cancer development.

1. To interrogate the role of inflammasome signaling in colorectal cancer. Our current data show that inflammasome pathways are highly active in colorectal tumors in humans and mice. Genetic ablation of inflammasome effector molecules resulted in marked reduction in colonic tumor load, suggesting a tumor-promoting function of these signaling events. We are working to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which inflammasome supports tumor growth in the gut.

1. To design and optimize oncolytic viral therapy against multiple solid tumors. We have established long-term industrial collaboration to design, validate, and optimize oncolytic viral therapies for solid tumors. Our current program has identified a lead candidate that shows robust efficacy against colon and liver tumors in animals. Current efforts center on expanding the application of the agent to additional cancer types, and further improving the safety and delivery options of the oncolytic virus for broader use in humans.

Potential candidates should possess a Ph.D., or M.D. and have strong interests in the biomedical sciences and a commitment to teamwork and learning new methods. Experience in innate and/or adaptive immunity, cancer biology, along with an interest in the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms is desirable. If interested please send your CV, a one-page description of your research experience, and the contact information of three references all in a single pdf document to kewang@uchc.edu.

Kepeng Wang, Ph.D.

Department of Immunology-MC1319

University of Connecticut Heath Center

263 Farmington Avenue

Farmington, CT 06030

email: kewang@uchc.edu

UConn Health is an affirmative action employer in addition to an EEO and M/F/V/PwD employer.