Postdoctoral Fellow

The Louai Labanieh Lab is seeking motivated postdocs to develop, characterize, and test novel biotechnology platforms for: i) the precise in vivo delivery of genetic cargo and ii) regulation of immune cell function. These projects are focused on making safer and more effective cell therapies (e.g., CAR-T) and gene therapies for cancer and beyond. We are an interdisciplinary lab spanning the fields of synthetic biology, immune cell engineering, protein engineering, and immunology, with an eye towards clinical translation. Postdoctoral fellows will gain extensive experience with cutting-edge methodologies in T cell engineering, gene editing, viral vector engineering, single-cell omics, and in vivo gene delivery. This is a unique opportunity for passionate scientists to develop next-generation cell and gene therapies that overcome pressing clinical challenges with the potential to provide curative therapies for patients suffering from cancer and other debilitating diseases. We aim to provide a supportive lab environment that fosters research excellence, integrity, and positivity. The Principal Investigator will work closely with trainees to help them reach their full potential and make sure they are on track to achieve their career goals.

The candidate should have a PhD and/or MD in bioengineering, immunology, cellular/molecular biology, cancer biology, or related field, and experience in wet lab research. Prior experience in cell engineering, synthetic biology, T cell biology, or protein engineering is highly desirable but not required. We encourage applications from individuals with a strong foundation in related fields who are eager to learn and contribute to our research program.

Technical duties include but are not limited to:

• Lead independent research projects, including hypothesis development, experimental design, execution, and data interpretation. Design and engineer novel synthetic constructs to precisely control immune cell function. Analyze, visualize, and interpret data Document and maintain raw data, analyzed data, constructs, and protocols in an organized manner and share them with others when needed Engage in regular meetings with the Principal Investigator for project updates, scientific discussions, and career mentorship. Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to the publication of manuscripts and grant proposals. Train and mentor junior lab members Assist in maintaining lab functions Perform mammalian cell culture, viral transduction, and molecular cloning Apply and develop methods in protein biochemistry Utilize advanced microscopy techniques, including confocal microscopy. Conduct functional assays to assess immune cell activity (e.g., cytotoxicity assays, proliferation assays, ELISA). Perform in vivo experiments in mouse models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bioengineered constructs and investigate underlying biological mechanisms. Analyze immune cell populations by flow cytometry, RNA-seq, and ATAC-seq Collaborate effectively with members of the research team. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and adhere to project deadlines. Maintain strict adherence to laboratory safety policies and procedures.

The Labanieh Lab is affiliated with the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, the Icahn Genomics Institute (IGI), and the Precision Immunology Institute (PrIISM). We are part of a collaborative community of bold thinkers with world renowned expertise in basic sciences and cutting-edge clinical care. The department is supported by state-of-the-art technology cores. We are located in the Icahn Building in the Upper East Side in Manhattan, one block from Central Park. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMM) is an international leader in medical and scientific training, biomedical research, and patient care. It is the medical school for the Mount Sinai Health System, which includes seven hospital campuses, and has more than 5,000 faculty and nearly 2,000 students, residents and fellows.

In addition to submitting an application through candidates are encouraged to send the following directly to Dr. Labanieh ( [email protected] ):

• Cover letter (indicating earliest and preferred start dates) Updated Curriculum Vitae or Biosketch Brief statement of research interests (<300 words) Contact information for three references

Department website:

Laboratory website:

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the ISMMS and the Sinai Postdoctoral Organizing Committee - UAW.

Wages and benefits: See Article 5 and 13 of The collective bargaining agreement found online at .

Our mission at Mount Sinai Health System is to provide compassionate patient care with seamless coordination and to advance medicine through unrivaled education, research, and outreach in the many diverse communities we serve.

Mount Sinai Health System is committed to diversity and equal opportunity

Company

Established in June 2023, the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy builds on the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s long history of immunobiological research. The Department believes we need a sustained focus on the basic scientific concepts governing the immune system in order to drive innovation. Understanding the central pathways and processes that control immune cell development and differentiation, and how their molecular states and functional activities are shaped by their specific tissue environment, is critical to appreciating how they influence all aspects of human health and disease.

The Department collaborates extensively with the Icahn Institute of Genomics to develop advanced gene and cell engineering technologies that will enable researchers to study the immune system. In this way, the Department plays a key role in elevating fundamental immunology research efforts at Mount Sinai. These efforts feed into more multidisciplinary and translational immunology research programs, including those at the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute .

This research field requires a highly skilled work force of biomedical researchers and physician scientists who have strong foundations in immunology. To address this need, our Department serves as the central administrative hub to support training graduate and postdoctoral immunologists across the medical school. Our commitment to training is exemplified by our diverse National Institutes of Health-funded training programs that focus on immunology. These programs include the Translational Immunology Training Program, the Systems Skin Biology Training Program, and the Postdoctoral Gastro-Intestinal and Liver Diseases Fellowship Program.

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy: Immunology and Immunotherapy | Icahn School of Medicine

Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute: Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute | Icahn School of Medicine

Icahn Genomics Institute: Icahn Genomics Institute | Icahn School of Medicine

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Telephone

212-659-9448

Location

Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
1425 Madison Avenue, Suite 12-20
New York
New York
10029
United States