Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity: Join the Chen Lab at CIBR!
Postdoctoral Fellow Positions Available in the Chen Lab at CIBR
About Chen Lab
Chen Lab is dedicated to research related to brain tumors, elucidating the mechanisms of brain tumor development, the regulatory network of the immune microenvironment, and the molecular basis of drug resistance.
Direction 1: Discovering novel endogenous targets and pathways in tumors. Utilizing patient-derived primary cells and innovative mouse models, combined with CRISPR functional genomics and high-throughput screening technologies, the laboratory systematically discovers and validates key targets and signaling pathways driving the malignant progression of gliomas.
Direction 2: Analyzing the tumor immune microenvironment. Employing single-cell genomics and mouse genetic models, the laboratory delves into the unique tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of the brain, aiming to identify key cellular subsets and regulatory networks mediating immune escape, paving the way for the development of next-generation immunotherapies.
We translate basic scientific discoveries into innovative therapeutic approaches, actively developing small molecule drugs, biological macromolecules (antibodies), oncolytic viruses, and CAR-T cell therapies. Many of the laboratory's groundbreaking findings have been published in top international journals such as Nature, Cell, Nature Cell Biology, Genes & Development, and Cancer Cell. It has successfully driven several investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs). Lab Webpage： https://chenlab.cibr.ac.cn
Job Opening: Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Direction: (Choose one)
I. CRISPR Functional Genomics and Tumor Target Discovery:
1. Core Task: Utilize genome-wide CRISPR screening technologies (including traditional knockout/activation/interference and cutting-edge base/prime editing) to systematically discover and validate key genes and signaling pathways driving tumor progression, drug resistance, and synthetic lethality in our unique patient-derived glioma cells (PDGCs) and next-generation mouse models.
2. Expected Goals: Identify next-generation therapeutic targets with high drug potential and elucidate their molecular mechanisms.
II. Tumor Immunology and Neuro-Immune Interactions:
1. Core Task: Focus on the tumor immune microenvironment (TME), particularly the function and regulatory mechanisms of our newly discovered disease-specific suppressor granulocytes (DSSGs) and other myeloid cells. Utilizing single-cell multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, and advanced mouse genetic models, this study aims to deeply elucidate how these cell subsets are reprogrammed by tumors and how they suppress T cell function, and to explore innovative immunotherapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
2. Expected Goals: To elucidate the unique immune escape mechanisms of brain tumors, providing a theoretical basis and target validation for the development of novel immunotherapies.
III. Antibody Design:
1. Affinity maturation, humanization, and exploitability optimization based on antibody structures (experimental structures or AlphaFold predicted structures);
2. De novo antibody design and virtual screening targeting complex antigenic epitopes;
3. Exploring antibody-antigen binding mechanisms by combining molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning methods;
4. Modular design of bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, or antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Job Responsibilities:
1. Under the guidance of the PI, independently design and conduct innovative research projects;
2. CRISPR Screening: Independently complete CRISPR screening, high-throughput sequencing, and data analysis, and perform functional verification of key genes at the molecular, cellular, and animal levels;
3. Tumor Immunology: Proficient in multicolor flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, qPCR, and other techniques; familiar with single-cell data analysis; analyze immune cell phenotypes and functions; and conduct animal experiments for verification;
4. Antibody Design: Development and optimization of humanized antibodies, design of bispecific antibodies or ADC antibodies, etc.;
5. Actively analyze and interpret experimental data, and write high-quality research papers;
6. Apply for postdoctoral grants and other related research projects, participate in the daily management of the laboratory, and mentor students;
7. Collaborate closely with clinicians and bioinformatics experts to promote translational research.
Job Requirements:
1. A PhD degree in biology, medicine, immunology, or a related field, either already obtained or expected soon;
2. A solid research background in molecular biology, cell biology, or immunology, with high-level research publications as the first author in the relevant field;
3. For CRISPR screening: Familiarity with high-throughput screening, library construction, and deep sequencing data analysis is preferred;
4. For tumor immunology: Familiarity with mouse model manipulation, multicolor flow cytometry, and immunological functional experiments is preferred;
5. For antibody design: Proficiency in at least one antibody modeling/design software (e.g., Rosetta Antibody, MOE, Discovery Studio); proficiency in programming languages such as Python/R; experience in machine learning applications is preferred; or solid practical experience in molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, SPR/BLI, and antibody engineering (humanization, affinity maturation);
6. Passion for scientific research, with independent thinking, problem-solving abilities, and excellent teamwork skills;
7. Excellent English communication and writing skills.
Benefits:
1. Competitive salary and benefits package based on the applicant's experience and abilities (negotiable on a case-by-case basis);
2. Formal employment contract, five social insurances and one housing fund, supplementary medical insurance, annual physical examination, paid annual leave, etc.;
3. Employee canteen, free shuttle bus, assistance in applying for employee dormitory, gym, etc.
4. First-class research facilities and ample research funding, opportunities to collaborate with top clinicians and scientists, a broad platform to support personal career development and promotion opportunities;
5. Full support for applying for national and provincial-level talent programs and research projects.
Postdoctoral Fellows need to provide:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. 2-3 letters of recommendation
3. Personal statement (briefly describing your research interests, past research experience, and suitability for the position)
Contact Information:
Please send your CV and relevant supporting documents in PDF format to chenjian@cibr.ac.cn, with the subject line "Name + Applied Position".
