Postdoctoral Fellowships: Immuno-Oncology (Please specify the project(s) applying)

Organizational background

The Centre for Oncology and Immunology aims to identify novel, “druggable” cancer targets for hard-to-treat malignancies using functional screens, animal and cell models (including organoids), immuno-oncology approaches, and advanced genomic and proteomic techniques down to single cell resolution. Our ultimate goal is to develop therapeutics against these targets, conduct clinical trials evaluating these drugs along with biomarkers, and facilitate commercialization worldwide. Success in this venture will address pressing unmet medical needs and establish Hong Kong as a leading hub of innovative anti-cancer and immuno-oncology drug development.

We currently have multiple postdoctoral fellowship positions available within our multidisciplinary research teams based In Hong Kong. These teams are involved in several collaborative projects with large international consortia and are comprised of basic researchers, clinicians, oncologists, and bioinformaticians focused on investigating the genetics and molecular biology of cancer, as well as the immune system, with the goal of devising and developing novel immunotherapies. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment, with the chance to contribute to a range of exciting international collaborative projects with our overseas collaborators at the University Health Network/Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Canada).

Our Centre is involved in several cutting-edge research areas, including:

Project i

• Synthetic lethal interactions with mutations that are commonly found in myeloid malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia) using state-of-the-art functional genomics tools, zebrafish models, as well as human and mouse in vitro and xenotransplantation platforms to identify personalized treatment for AML patients

Project ii

• The use of 3D organoid culture as a disease model, together with gene transfection and genome-editing techniques, to study the functional roles of novel tumor driver genes in gastrointestinal cancers

Project iii

• The study of cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and gastrointestinal cancer

Project iv

• The investigation of immunosurveillance characteristics and neuroimmune regulation in tumor progression and dissemination.

Project v

• The development of novel T Cell gene therapies for recalcitrant malignancies, leading to clinical trials and commercialization

Project vi

• Integrative multi-omics data analysis, involving the development and application of bioinformatics methods to integrate and analyze multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) from cancer patients, with the goal of identifying novel immune-related biomarkers, molecular subtypes, and potential therapeutic targets for immuno-oncology treatment strategies

Job responsibilities

Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to collaborative research projects focused on anti-cancer or immuno-oncology drug development and cancer biomarker discovery using large-scale multi-omics approaches, organoid technology, as well as novel animal models.

Qualifications and skills

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or Biological Science, preferably with a focus on Cancer Biology, Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, Bioinformatics Studies, Single Cell Technology or Medicinal Chemistry.

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants in possession of the following:

Essential Skills:

• A proven track record of publishing academic research papers
• Specialized research interest and experience in the relevant key research areas stated above
• Understanding and/or experience in immuno-bioengineering
• Proficiency in molecular biology and cellular immunology laboratory techniques, including mammalian cell culture
• Experience in multidisciplinary projects and international collaborations

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, high-throughput screening techniques, next generation sequencing, and single cell sequencing technologies or;
• Specialized research interest in multi-omics profiling, bioinformatics, cancer metabolism, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery or;
• Understanding and experience in development of ‘muteins’ or;
• Understanding and experience in drug sensitivity screening and identification of new drugs for personalized cancer immuno-therapy or;
• Experience with mouse models, organoid models, zebrafish models and/or xenograft models or;
• Experience in animal handling techniques or;
• Experience in clinical trial theory and practice and establishing translational research processes and infrastructures

Applicants should have a good command of written and spoken English, strong communication and presentation skills, be self-motivated, hardworking and able to work well in an interdisciplinary team.

The appointees shall work in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

We welcome applications from overseas graduates who have obtained their qualifications from top 100 institutions for STEM-related subjects, as ranked by QS/Shanghai Jiao Tong University/Times Higher Education/U.S. News world university rankings.

Applicants for the Postdoctoral Fellow positions should possess a Ph.D. degree or an equivalent qualification in one of the mentioned or related disciplines.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit their up-to-date C.V., research publication list along with a cover letter highlighting their research accomplishments, and a brief statement stating the interested project (applicants may list more than one) explaining how their past research interest aligns with the key research topics of our Centre. The cover letter should also quote the job reference number and include information on current/expected remuneration and availability. All application materials should be sent to career@coinno.hk.

Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and will continue until the positions are filled.

The personal data provided during the application process will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposed. This data may be transferred and disclosed to, and used by, HKU Innovation Holdings Limited and The University of Hong Kong for the above purposes.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.