Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Gibson Lab

Overview

The Gibson Lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to join our team in developing innovative CAR-T cell therapies for colorectal cancer . Our lab focuses on engineering immune cells with greater precision, persistence, and safety, using synthetic biology, molecular immunology, and translational models.

Led by Dr. William Gibson, the lab is based at Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School and is committed to developing new therapeutic platforms that bridge synthetic biology and oncology. We foster a rigorous, fast-paced, and supportive environment that values intellectual curiosity, creativity, and translational impact.

The postdoc will lead projects aimed at designing and testing next-generation CAR-T cells that can overcome the major barriers facing cell therapies for solid tumors—especially on-target, off-tumor toxicity and limited T cell persistence. This includes developing novel targeting strategies, implementing safety switches, and validating therapeutic potential in preclinical models.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize new CAR constructs and delivery systems

• Conduct in vitro assays to evaluate cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and phenotype

• Perform in vivo efficacy and toxicity studies using mouse models

• Collaborate across disciplines, including synthetic biology, pharmacology, and translational oncology

• Present findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications

Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent in immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or related field

• Demonstrated productivity through first-author publications

• Experience with T cell biology, genome engineering, or adoptive cell therapy is strongly preferred

• Strong molecular biolog y, cell culture , and in-vivo modeling skills .

• Highly motivated, independent, and collaborative

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.