Postdoctoral Research Fellow-Center Discovery & Innovation; CDI

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI)

Apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Center for Discovery & Innovation (CDI) role at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Overview

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work in the lab of Dr. Yi Zhang performing research in T cell biology, cancer immunotherapy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The focus will be on epigenetic regulation of T cell immunity using preclinical models of CAR‑T cell therapy. Candidates with experience in immune phenotyping, immune function, and RNA‑based analyses are encouraged. The ideal candidate should hold a recent PhD (or equivalent) and have relevant publications.

Background in immunology and/or cancer biology and experience with experimental mouse studies are preferred.

The Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) was established by Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) as an academic basic and translational research enterprise. CDI supports rapid translation of science to the clinic to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, and other acute and chronic diseases. CDI has 32 labs, 190 scientists, and supports 60 NIH grants plus more than 30 other grants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and laboratory tasks and experiments under direct supervision.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Create reports based on data analysis and findings.
• Present findings to higher‑level staff and at internal/external research forums such as scientific conferences, lab meetings, and institutional seminars.
• Handle moderately complex issues and refer more complex issues to higher‑level staff.
• Participate in grant and manuscript writing, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in a scientific discipline.
• Minimum of two first‑author articles published or in preparation in reputable peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Technical laboratory experience, e.g., RT‑PCR, RNA/DNA extraction, staining, sample embedding, sectioning.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

• Preferred:
  Experience working in a BSL‑2/BSL‑3 laboratory facility.

Compensation

Minimum rate of $61,008.48 annually. The posted rate represents the minimum base pay; full compensation includes a competitive total rewards package per New Jersey Pay Transparency Act.

Job Duties – Compensation Details

• Compensation is benchmarked against market data.
• Adjusted based on experience, education, certifications, skills, geographic location, internal equity and budget/ grant funding.
• Additional performance‑based incentives, bonuses, or commissions may be offered.
• Shift differentials may apply for evening, night, or weekend shifts.

Full‑time positions also include a comprehensive benefits package covering health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hackensack Meridian Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetic information, disability, marital status, military service, or veteran status.