The Lampe and Lastwika labs at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have a joint opening for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow interested in translating autoantibodies produced by B lymphocytes into tumor diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Our labs integrate state-of-the-art methods from biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and immunology to isolate tumor-specific autoantibodies directly from cancer patients.

A major focus of our joint work is to study how B cells and the autoantibodies they produce recognize and target tumor antigens. We’ve demonstrated tumor-specific autoantibodies can be excellent biomarkers of lung tumorigenesis and can be detected prior to diagnosis (see our publications in AJCCRM 2019, JNM 2022, Cancers 2023 and STM 2023, PUBMED#’s 30422669, 35483965, 37444527, 36630482). Using our unique approach of capturing autoantibodies bound to their native tumor derived epitopes ex vivo, we’ve shown tumor-specific autoantibodies target posttranslational modifications with high specificity. With this knowledge, we’ve isolated posttranslational tumor-specific B cells directly from patients.  Our goal is to translate these findings into antibody-based theranostic applications.

Depending on a fellow’s interests, we have projects in lung cancer early detection assays, immunoPET imaging, and antibody-based therapeutics. Most of our work is completed using highly sought cohorts of human samples and techniques including immunofluorescence microscopy, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, molecular engineering, flow cytometry and microarray piezoelectric printing.

Fellows will be involved all aspects of research, from experimental design to manuscript preparation and publication.  A successful candidate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, the ability to develop creative approaches to experimental design, and thrive both in independent and collaborative research. Our lab is committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment and are searching for highly motivated fellows who fit this ethos. In terms of career development, our autoantibody platform is widely applicable to diseases including cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. Previous lab fellows have gone into both industry and academia highlighting a strength of our translational lab.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A recent Ph.D. in a relevant field
• Knowledge and experience in cancer biology, biochemistry, or immunology
• Track record of productive research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team

The annual base salary range for this position is from $80,172 to $91,304, and pay offered will be based on experience and qualifications.

This position may be eligible for relocation assistance.

Although Fred Hutch is not sponsoring most H-1B visas at this time, candidates who already hold an H-1B sponsored by another organization and are currently in the U.S. may be eligible for this position.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers employees a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include medical/vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, retirement, family life support, employee assistance program, onsite health clinic, income-based child care subsidy, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation (22 days per year), paid sick leave (up to 30 calendar days per occurrence of a qualifying reason), paid holidays (13 days per year), and paid parental leave (up to 4 weeks).