Research Scientist

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The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist to join the Dibra Lab, a highly collaborative, innovation-driven research group focused on understanding how tumors evade the immune system and identifying new therapeutic strategies to overcome immune resistance. Our work spans the full spectrum from discovery to functional validation, integrating cutting-edge genetic screens, spatial multi-omics, and mechanistic in vivo studies. We leverage advanced in vivo genetic screening platforms, including Perturb-map, with spatially resolved perturbations to define tumor–immune interactions at high resolution. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies, including Xenium, we investigate cellular heterogeneity, immune niche architecture, and tumor lineage states within the tumor microenvironment.

A central focus of the laboratory is understanding how oncogenic pathways reprogram both innate and adaptive immunity to promote immune evasion. We integrate these approaches with immunopeptidomics to define tumor-specific antigen-presentation programs and uncover new therapeutic vulnerabilities. These studies are supported by genetically engineered mouse models, novel alleles developed in the laboratory, and patient-derived organoid systems, providing an integrated platform to interrogate tumor and immune regulatory circuits in vivo, ex vivo, and in clinically relevant human models. Current disease areas include breast cancer and MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

We are particularly interested in candidates with research experience in tumor immunology and one or more of the following areas: immunoproteasome biology or modulation, immunopeptidomics, HLA class I antigen presentation, tumor–immune interactions, immune evasion, cancer immunology, or related areas. Experience with mass spectrometry–based immunopeptidomics, antigen-processing and presentation pathways, single-cell or spatial genomics, functional genetic screening, organoid models, or in vivo tumor models would be especially valuable.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop mechanistic and translational projects aimed at identifying how tumors alter antigen presentation and immune recognition and at developing innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for breast cancer and MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Candidates excited about high-impact science at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, antigen presentation, and cutting-edge genomics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments including cell separation, experiments requiring molecular and cellular as well as sterile techniques, or flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, RNA and protein undefined.
• Conduct experiments involving cancer mouse models.
• Collate and analyze experimental data in a timely manner.
• Make graphics.
• Maintain databases.
• Perform various in vitro tasks and assays (e.g. cell culture based, flow cytometry, sample preparation for spatial analysis and microbiome analysis) from cell culture, mouse tissue, and human (patient) tissue.
• Prepare materials and equipment necessary for laboratory tests.
• Perform general lab duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, MD, DVM, or a related doctoral degree with 4 or more years of experience post PhD.
• Relevant cancer immunology experience in and immunopeptidomics or cancer vaccines.
• Strong background in mouse models, mouse handling, cancer immunology, human organoid growth. 
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: immunoproteasome modulation, immunopeptidomics, HLA class I antigen presentation, tumor–immune interactions, immune evasion, and cancer immunology.
• Experience applying these approaches to the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly in breast cancer or MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, is highly desirable.

 Competencies

• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills, a strong commitment to research excellence, and the ability to work collaboratively while mentoring students and laboratory personnel.
• Organization Skills, Project Management Skills, Analytical skills, Critical thinking, work ethics, excellent Interpersonal skills and ability to work in the team.

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 2315 South First Street Walk, Room 02C - Louisville, Kentucky 40292.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone 502-852-6258.