Post-doctoral fellowship in Cancer Immunotherapy

A postdoctoral position is available at the Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of Sao Paulo (ICESP), University of São Paulo School of Medicine (FM-USP). The opportunity is linked to a Thematic Project involving cancer immunotherapy mediated by adenoviral delivery of tumor suppressor and immune modulating genes.

This project will require the use of cellular and molecular biology methodologies, including the regular culture of human melanoma cell lines as well as 3D cultures of primary tumor cells derived from melanoma patients for the study of the cellular response to the treatment with the adenoviral vectors. The study will include the use of treated tumor cells for the ex vivo activation of dendritic and T cells. In parallel, PDX (patient derived xenograft) models of tumor treatment will be explored.

For the development of this project, the post-doctoral fellow with be supported by a fellowship supplied by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Thematic Project 2015/26580-9, initiated May 1, 2017 and running through April 30, 2022). Full-time dedication will be required of the postdoctoral fellow. The fellowship will be valid for 24 months, with a monthly stipend of R$7,174.80 plus an additional fund equivalent to 15% of the stipend to be used for costs directly related to the research activities. 

Qualities and experience required: 
a. Interested candidates must have completed their Ph.D. in an area related to the intended project, such as pharmacology, microbiology or biochemistry; 
b. Must be independent, able to interact with the work team and have good communication skills; 
c. Have independence in the English language (reading, writing, spoken and hearing); 
d. The position requires previous experience in cellular and molecular biology and including knowledge of models of dendritic cell activation and evaluation. It is also desirable for the applicant to have the ability to manipulate mouse models, experience in regular cell culture and models involving application of viral vectors. 

Documents required for registration: 
Documents should be sent in PDF format to Prof. Bryan E. Strauss via email (bryan.strauss@hc.fm.usp.br) until October 4, 2017: 
a. Curriculum Lattes updated or CV; 
b. Letter of interest, explaining the reasons for your application to the position; 
c. Two letters of recommendation issued by professionals in your area of expertise. 
Requirements and benefits are available at fapesp.br/bolsas/pd. The candidate will be assessed by means of his/her CV and letters of recommendation. In case more details are needed, an interview face-to-face or via Skype can be scheduled.