My research group is developing novel platforms (methods, hardware, software, reference standards) to examine the human immune system’s ability to be a prognostic and/or predictive resource for cancer. We focus on how components of the human immune system such as immune cells, genes, and proteins are altered by disease and treatment. These platforms will be used to predict responses to drug therapies in multiple cancers. The platforms will also help to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets as well as potential combinations of existing therapies. In addition, our platforms will help us to understand the mechanisms responsible for disparities in disease pathogenesis, therapeutic response, and therapy-induced adverse events. The platforms are based on quantitative assessment of cell functions, excreted products, and interactions at the global level and single cell level in the tumor microenvironment.

This is an exciting opportunity for the candidate to get hands-on experience in a medical research group to advance new therapies, create novel diagnostic/predictive tests and reference standards, and reduce/eliminate therapy-induced adverse reactions. Wet lab (clinical immunology, pathology) and dry lab (bioinformatics, statistics/biostatistics, computer graphics, software development, graphic design/medical illustrations, medical writing/communication) projects are available.