Postdoctoral Fellow - Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos

The Papagiannakopoulos (PapaG) Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join an interdisciplinary research program focused on how cancer communicates with the nervous system and the rest of the body.

Our lab studies how aggressive cancers such as lung cancer reshape organismal physiology, behavior, metabolism, and anti-tumor immunity. We use a broad range of approaches including genetically engineered mouse models, in vivo CRISPR-based functional genomics, tumor immunology, metabolism, and physiology, and we are expanding into new directions at the intersection of cancer and the nervous system. We are particularly interested in how tumors are sensed by the host, how neural circuits respond to cancer, and how these interactions influence symptoms, immune responses, and disease progression.

This funded position will be part of InteroCANCEption, a newly funded Cancer Grand Challenge team addressing the emerging frontier of how the brain and nervous system sense and influence cancer. The fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to an ambitious international effort aimed at understanding the brain‑body‑tumor axis and its role in cancer progression and host physiology.

This position is ideal for candidates with an MD or PhD and a background in neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, or related fields who are excited to apply neuroscience approaches to fundamental questions in cancer biology.

The fellow will work on the following research areas:

• Neural sensing and control of tumor‑associated inflammation and anti‑tumor immunity
• Brain‑body circuits regulating sickness, appetite, pain, and systemic metabolism in cancer
• Development of new experimental models at the interface of cancer biology and neuroscience

• Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, or a related field
• Background in neuroscience approaches to fundamental questions in cancer biology
• Strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and independent scientific leadership

Salary range: $70,500-$78,000 for the postdoctoral training period. The offer will be determined based on qualifications and other factors.

Strong mentorship, opportunities to develop leadership and grant writing skills, and a supportive training environment are provided to help pursue independent careers in academia, biotechnology, or translational cancer research.

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment, and other visitors. The Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics.