Job Summary: A postdoctoral position is available in the Esser-Kahn Research Team within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. The position will focus on using RNA editing to boost the efficacy of immunotherapies. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will develop methods to virally deliver RNA editing enzymes and Site-Directed RNA editing reagents into mouse tumor models and then assess tumor progression. The work will build on novel results obtained through a collaboration between Dr. Jeffrey Hubbell, an expert in Immunotherapies, and Dr. Joshua Rosenthal at the Marine Biological Laboratory, an expert in RNA editing. Although the position will be primarily based in Chicago, the postdoctoral researcher will be co-mentored by Drs. Hubbell and Rosenthal and will perform experiments at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA as well. Experimental duties will include engineering recombinant RNA editing enzymes, packaging and delivering RNA editing enzymes and small guide RNAs in viral vectors, and working with mouse cancer models.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a proven track record of conducting independent research. Broad experience in basic molecular biology techniques is an absolute requirement, and experience using viral delivery systems is highly desirable. In addition, candidates with experience in cancer biology, immunotherapies, synthetic biology or RNA editing are encouraged to apply. This position will be expected to demonstrate independence in experimental design and execution, work effectively with others in a collaborative setting, present results at both national and international meetings, and ultimately publish results. A PhD degree in the biological sciences or related disciplines is a prerequisite.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will have the opportunity to work with collaborators of the Hubbell and Rosenthal labs and will have a unique opportunity to perform highly original, cross-cutting research between immunotherapy and RNA editing. This project lies at the interface between basic research and translational biotechnology. For more information on the lab visit https://pme.uchicago.edu/group/esser-kahn-group.

Motivated candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of research goals to Dr. Aaron Esser-Kahn @ aesserkahn@uchicago.edu

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.