Immunoprevention Vaccine Development for Lynch Syndrome
Join our innovative research team at the forefront of cancer immunoprevention! We are seeking a motivated Post-Doctoral Associate to contribute to a groundbreaking project focused on developing a safe and effective vaccine strategy for Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). Lynch syndrome affects individuals with heterozygous germline variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, such as MLH1 or MSH2, leading to MMR-deficient cells that accumulate mutations and increase cancer risk.
In this role, you will work hands-on with a mouse model of Lynch syndrome to advance LNP-RNA-based frameshift protein (FSP) vaccination. This approach has shown promise in stimulating robust immune responses, reducing tumor burden, and extending survival in Lynch syndrome models. Additionally, you will identify and characterize the most immunogenic and cytotoxic recurrent FSP (rFSP) neoantigens–unique peptides generated by MMR deficiencies that can serve as prime targets for immune activation.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to bridge immunology, oncology, and vaccine development, with potential to translate findings into preventive strategies for high-risk patients.
Project Significance
Lynch syndrome represents a paradigm for cancer immunoprevention due to its high mutation burden and shared neoantigens across patients. MMR-deficient cells in Lynch syndrome accumulate frameshift mutations, creating highly immunogenic neoantigens that attract tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and enable immune surveillance. Prior work on Lynch syndrome mouse models demonstrates that vaccinating with just a few recurrent FSPs boosts cytotoxic CD8 T cell and helper CD4 T cell responses, lowers CRC incidence, and improves survival, without the risks of broader immune checkpoint therapies. By targeting these neoantigens early, this project aims to prevent tumors in Lynch syndrome carriers before they manifest, offering a selective, low-risk alternative to existing treatments that could transform outcomes for this prevalent syndrome.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct experiments using Lynch Syndrome mouse models to evaluate LNP-RNA FSP vaccination efficacy, including immune response profiling, tumor burden assessment, and survival analysis.
- Identify and delineate optimal rFSP neoantigens for immunogenicity and cytotoxicity through molecular and immunological assays (e.g., MHC antigen presentation, DC and T cell activation and profiling).
- Conduct the research independently and/or collaboratively with colleagues to ensure all experiments are appropriately conducted following Lab, Department, and College policies and procedures.
- Designing, organizing, and carrying out experiments using established protocols, and sometimes adapting to and designing new protocols.
- Collect, prepare, and analyze research data. This may include keeping a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data and/or maintaining a computer database of the research data.
- Tabulate data for presentations and use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data at lab meetings and progress meetings.
- Collaborate with co-PIs and team members on data analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant applications.
- Participate in abstract and article preparation with the Principal Investigator, publish results in research journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Assist the Principal Investigator in applying for fellowship, grant, and scholarship support, as requested.
- Assume general responsibility for scientific operations of the laboratory, including training and supervising interns, students, and other laboratory personnel, as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (or nearing completion).
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in Immunology, Oncology, Molecular Biology, or a related field (or nearing completion).
- Experience with mouse models, immunology techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, T-cell assays), and/or vaccine development is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in data interpretation and scientific writing.
- Enthusiasm for translational research and a collaborative mindset.
Application Process:
We offer a supportive environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities. If you're passionate about harnessing the immune system to prevent cancer, apply today!
Please submit your CV, cover letter, and references to blanderadmin@med.cornell.edu
Commitment to Diversity
Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion among our faculty, staff, and students. We seek out individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and we work to create programs that support both our current employees and our recruitment efforts.
EEO Statement
Weill Cornell Medicine welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Appointment Term:
1 year with re-appointment contingent on performance
Starting Date:
April 1, 2026
Location of Appointment:
Belfer Research Building. 7th floor BB750 and BB751
Lab and Department Websites:
http://robertsinstitute.weill.cornell.edu
Salary:
The salary range for this position is $74,692–$82,192, depending on years of postdoctoral experience.
Benefits:
A summary of employee benefits can be found on the WCM Human Resources website.
Visa Options:
Candidates applying for this position could be eligible for a J-1 Exchange visitor visa and the H-1B temporary worker visa.
Union Membership:
This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Weill Cornell Medicine and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (“UAW”), and its Local Union, Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs United-UAW Local 4100.
Contact
- Medicine