Job Information
Mayo Clinic Postdoctoral Research Fellow - T Cell Engineering Lab in Rochester, Minnesota
Why Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/benefits/) – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
Benefits Highlights
Medical: Multiple plan options.
Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
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
Exemption Status
Exempt
Compensation Detail
$67,282.95 - $78,711.15 / year; Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
80
Schedule Details
M-F 8am-5pm Hours may vary depending on lab needs.
Weekend Schedule
Occasionally depending on the lab needs.
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. (https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/alllocations)
Equal Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law" (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) . Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Recruiter
Kara Schott
Equal opportunity
As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Mayo Clinic is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.