Postdoctoral Fellow - TCR Engineering & I mmunopeptidomics (Biohub Chicago)

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago (https://www.czbiohub.org/chi) is an independent nonprofit research institute that brings together three powerhouse universities - Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - into a single collaborative technology and discovery engine. CZ Biohub itself supports some of the brightest, boldest engineers, data scientists, and biomedical researchers to make breakthroughs in medicine and develop new technologies, frequently in collaboration with our partner universities. We are guided by our values of scholarly excellence; disruptive innovation; hands-on engineering/hacking/building; partnership and collaboration; open communication and respect; inclusiveness; and opportunity for all.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at CZ Biohub Chicago facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of CZ Biohub Network and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub – Chicago is seeking outstanding early-career scientists and engineers to join and participate in the launch of the Chicago Biohub by continuing their training as Postdoctoral Fellows. This position focuses on a collaborative project aimed at understanding the mechanisms and design principles of TCR and immune epitopes. This aligns with the Biohub’s mission to decipher fundamental disease mechanisms and develop technologies leading to actionable diagnostics and effective therapies. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of achievement and a commitment to work collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment. The CZ Biohub has a strong commitment to the training of a new generation of scientists and engineers who will benefit from the unique environment of the organization.

You will

• Conduct wet-lab experiments to explore the presentation, binding, and activation principles of TCR and related immune epitopes
• Develop novel protein-protein interaction (PPI) models to predict the behavior of specific TCRs against various immune epitopes
• Utilize PPI models to design TCRs for immune cell-based therapies targeting different inflammatory diseases
• Collaborate with computational biologists and bioinformaticians to integrate AI and ML technologies
• Supervise junior trainees, maintain detailed documentation of experiments and procedures, and engage in scientific communication

You have

Essential –

• PhD in Immunology, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, or a related field
• At least 2 years of work experience in T cell immunology
• High motivation to advance scientific training and contribute to the collaborative research environment at CZ Biohub
• Active participation in team efforts to decode TCR design principles
• Effective collaboration and engagement with colleagues across the Biohub to uphold our values of excellence, innovation, and partnership
• Be a highly motivated researcher who will continue their scientific training and contribute to the innovative, vigorous and collaborative research program aligned with the mission of CZ Biohub
• Publication and dissemination of impactful findings and research products on platforms like medRxiv, bioRxiv, and GitHub

Nice to have -

• Experience in target discovery and TCR design
• Experience in immunopeptidomics
• Familiar with PPI models
• Experience in high-throughput biomolecular screening
• Knowledge of gene editing techniques

The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network requires all employees, regardless of work location or type of role, to provide proof of their initial COVID-19 vaccination by their start date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated because of a disability, or who choose not to be vaccinated due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must have an approved exception prior to their start date.

What We Provide

• Resources to disrupt and innovate at the frontiers of our knowledge of biology and disease
• A collegial and collaborative environment consisting of diverse expertise
• Access to collaborators, resources and facilities at our three partner universities (Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) and at partner organizations in Chicagoland and beyond
• Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the experience

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program that enables the important work Biohubbers do everyday. Our benefits include healthcare coverage, life and disability insurance, commuter subsidies, family planning services with fertility care, childcare stipend, 401(k) match, flexible time off and a generous parental leave policy. In addition, we honor our commitment to career development and our value of scholarly excellence through regular onsite opportunities to learn from the world's leading scientists.

The CZ Biohub Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity of thought, ideas and perspectives. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive organization where all Biohubbers feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. The CZ Biohub Network does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. The CZ Biohub Network will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with the CZ Biohub Network.