Postdoctoral Research Fellow - T Cell Engineering Lab

The T Cell Engineering Laboratory (Kenderian Laboratory) at Mayo Clinic is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead and contribute to the development of next-generation engineered cell therapies for cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

Our laboratory is recognized for its work in CAR T cell biology, synthetic and logic-gated cell therapies, mechanisms of resistance and toxicity, and translational immunotherapy, with a strong emphasis on moving discoveries from bench to clinic. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative, well-resourced environment with direct access to GMP manufacturing, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary translational teams.

This position is ideal for individuals aspiring to careers in academic medicine, biotechnology, or translational research leadership. The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to lead independent and collaborative projects in areas including (but not limited to):

• Design and engineering of next-generation CAR T and other engineered immune cell therapies
• Synthetic biology approaches (e.g., logic-gated receptors, synNotch, armored CARs)
• Overcoming tumor immune evasion, antigen loss, exhaustion, and senescence
• Mechanisms of on-target/off-tumor toxicity and immune-related adverse events
• Translational studies bridging preclinical models, GMP manufacturing, and early-phase clinical trials
• Solid and hematologic malignancies, with opportunities for cross-platform innovation

Projects will be tailored to the fellow’s expertise and career goals, with strong encouragement and support for first-author high-impact publications and independent funding applications. The laboratory offers a unique translational ecosystem, including:

• State-of-the-art BSL-2+/cell engineering laboratories
• Access to GMP cell manufacturing through the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics
• Close interaction with clinician-scientists, immunologists, bioengineers, and industry collaborators

Strong mentoring culture with structured guidance in:

• Grant writing (NIH K99/R00, foundation awards)
• Manuscript preparation for top-tier journals
• Scientific presentation and leadership development
• Career advancement in academia or industry

Required qualifications:

Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Strong background in cellular or molecular immunology or cancer biology. Demonstrated productivity with peer-reviewed publications. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. High level of independence, creativity, and scientific rigor.

Preferred qualifications: (not required)

Experience with T cell biology, CAR T cell engineering, or adoptive cell therapy. Expertise in one or more of the following:

• Viral or non-viral gene delivery
• Flow cytometry and immune phenotyping
• CRISPR/Cas9 or genetic engineering
• In vivo mouse models
• Synthetic biology platforms
• Interest in translational or clinically oriented research