Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 10,000 who are shaping the future we envision.
Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work for in the Nation, a Digital Health Most Wired Organization and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplaces.
A National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 2001.

Summary

The Pinilla-Ibarz Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in immunological assays to join our team. Our research focuses on understanding T cell dysfunction in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), with a particular interest in the metabolic aberrations that drive this dysfunction. We aim to reprogram these T cells to enhance their efficacy as CAR T cell therapy candidates for CLL.

Position Highlights:

• Conduct cutting-edge research at a leading cancer research institution with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and resources.
• Join a collaborative and innovative environment that fosters scientific discovery and professional growth.
• Receive strong support to apply for competitive training grants and advance your career development.
• Engage in impactful translational research, working bedside‑to‑benchtop and contributing to unique clinical trials

The Ideal Candidate:

• Brings strong, hands‑on expertise in T‑cell culture, immunological assays (flow cytometry, cytokine profiling, functional T‑cell assays), and core molecular biology tools such as immunoblotting and PCR—ready to hit the ground running.
• Has proven experience with mouse handling and in vivo studies, with bonus strengths in T‑cell metabolism, CAR T cell therapy, viral transduction, and/or bioinformatics that elevate their impact.
• Excels at data analysis and scientific communication, confidently using platforms like GraphPad Prism to deliver clear, compelling results.
• Demonstrates sharp analytical thinking, creative problem‑solving, and a track record of driving research forward through effective collaboration and scientific rigor.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute innovative experiments that advance the lab’s research goals, applying rigorous scientific methodology and troubleshooting independently.
• Stay current with relevant literature, integrating new findings to strengthen experimental design and fuel scientific creativity.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly present data at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and collaborative discussions, contributing to the scientific direction of the project.
• Work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment, actively contributing to manuscript preparation, grant applications, and broader team objectives.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• Must have a Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, or a related biological field.
• Demonstrates strong scientific writing skills, supported by first‑author publications that highlight their ability to communicate impactful research.

Moffitt Postdocs enjoy comprehensive medical coverage, with Moffitt covering the premium effective your very first day. In addition to this valuable benefit, you’ll also be eligible for dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off, retirement, parental leave, and much more. Furthermore, you may qualify for relocation assistance as per our policy, ensuring a seamless transition to your exciting new role.

Moffitt Cancer Center proudly stands as a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida. This dynamic city is an exceptional choice for those seeking exciting opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan area. With its flourishing economy and rich cultural diversity, the Tampa Bay region masterfully combines urban elegance with breathtaking natural beauty. Discover why countless individuals have chosen to make Tampa their home and experience firsthand what makes it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the United States.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you.

Interested applicants should apply online, send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references.