Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Reinherz Lab

Overview

The Reinherz lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to study HIV-1 vaccine immunology. We use an interdisciplinary approach combining structural biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology to generate insights that can be translated into HIV-1 vaccine design. Specific research areas of interest include molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying B cell immunodominance and strategies to modulate B cell affinity maturation during vaccination to induce protective immunity while preventing induction of autoimmunity. The laboratory provides a rich training environment and access to cutting-edge techniques.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Position Summary

• Conduct research focused on HIV-1 Env vaccine development and the modulation of B cell affinity maturation .

• Contribute to structure-guided immunogen design and the development of novel vaccine strategies to improve subdominant antibody responses.

• Work in a collaborative research environment while independently driving experimental projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute studies related to HIV-1 Env vaccine candidates .

• Investigate approaches to enhance B cell affinity maturation and antibody responses.

• Perform mouse immunization studies and related in vivo experimental work.

• Analyze immune sera to assess vaccine-elicited responses.

• Conduct flow cytometry (FACS) for immune cell characterization and analysis.

• Perform B cell repertoire analysis and immunohistology experiments.

• Carry out molecular cloning , protein expression , and protein purification .

• Maintain and utilize cell culture systems to support research activities.

• Interpret experimental data, prepare reports, and contribute to manuscripts for publication.

• Collaborate effectively with other lab members and support broader research goals.

Required Qualifications

• Recent PhD or MD/PhD in biomedical sciences or a closely related field.

• Strong background in immunology , molecular biology , and biochemistry .

• Hands-on experience with techniques used to evaluate immune responses, including:

  • Antibody measurement

  • B cell and T cell response analysis

  • B cell repertoire analysis

  • Mouse models and animal handling

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals .

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills .

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with molecular cloning and related molecular biology techniques.

• Proficiency in protein expression , protein purification , and biochemical methods .

• Experience with cell culture techniques.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• A CV

• A brief statement of research interests/goals

• Three professional references

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).