At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace. Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999.
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.

Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the cancer research lab of Tony Amelio located within the Stabile Research Building at the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. Moffitt Cancer is a world-class NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, thus providing a strong post-doctoral training opportunity in cancer biology and drug development. Moreover, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute also has several outstanding T32 postdoctoral training grant opportunities for eligible candidates (e.g. Integrated Program in Cancer and Data Science (ICADS).

The Amelio Lab applies an interdisciplinary approach that integrates use of bioinformatics, drug and CRISPR screens, novel mouse models, and biologic light-based tools to study tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. This position will focus on the effects of biophysical changes in the tumor microenvironment on tumor immune dynamics. Our laboratory is currently funded by grants awarded from the National Institutes of Health.

Position Highlights:

• Lab focus on head and neck cancers and understanding the mechanisms that drive immune suppression.
• Develop strategies to reengineer the tumor microenvironment for enhanced anti-tumor T-cell function.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and basic scientists on projects highly relevant to human disease.
• Extensive opportunities to develop new skills in molecular and cellular biology, in the development and analysis of animal models and identification and assessment of novel therapeutic approaches.
• Work closely with Dr. Amelio on the postdoctoral fellow’s career development (e.g., grant/manuscript writing, scientific presentations, mentoring graduate students, networking).
• Moffitt integrates excellent patient care with cutting-edge clinical and basic research. Having a cancer hospital on-site provides unique opportunities for translational research.
• Outstanding mentorship from expert faculty with wide-ranging funded research programs including T32 Training Grants.
• You will be encouraged and supported to apply for training grants.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with molecular biology and immunology techniques, including PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and T cell culture and co-culture.
• Candidates with a strong background in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, immuno-oncology, extracellular matrix biology, mechanisms of immune evasion, mouse models, molecular biology techniques, and microscopy and analysis are highly desired.
• The applicant must be comfortable working with laboratory mice, with a few years’ experience of handling mice preferred.
• The applicant must possess good problem-solving and organizational skills, be self-driven and enthusiastic, and should also demonstrate the ability to conduct experiments independently and under supervision.

Responsibilities:

• Work independently and has a strong desire to develop independent projects.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze and interpret data.
• Regularly present findings to the lab and to the Moffitt community and attend conferences to disseminate research findings in preparation for publication.
• Write manuscripts, postdoctoral fellowships and assist with other funding applications.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in Cancer Biology or Immunology.
• Should have at least one first-Author publication.
• New PhD grads preferred. Previous Postdoc work will be considered up to 2 years.

Moffitt Postdocs are provided with Medical (Moffitt covers premium for team member) effective upon start date and eligible for Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. You may be eligible for relocation allowance per policy. Reasons to relocate, aside from the sunshine, beaches and year-round outdoor recreation associated with the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities for all, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.