The Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Assistant Professor to advance our research mission in the cutting-edge fields of cellular therapies, cancer immunotherapy, and immune engineering. The successful candidate will guide projects towards first-in-human studies, support scientific and administrative initiatives, and mentor junior scientists and trainees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, execute, and manage innovative research projects focused on cellular therapies and cancer immunology.
- Identify and characterize novel immunotherapy targets
- Develop and refine advanced cellular engineering approaches, including T-cell modification, genetic editing, and bioinformatics-driven analyses.
- Support preparation of high-quality research grants, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.
- Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and other junior personnel.
- Collaborate actively with multidisciplinary research teams across the Center and other institutional departments.
- Contribute intellectually and practically to the overall scientific direction and strategy of the Center.
Qualifications
- Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of postdoctoral or relevant research experience.
- Proven track record of scientific publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
- Industry experience is encouraged.
- Demonstrated experience in grant writing and successful acquisition of research funding.
- Expertise in immunology, particularly T-cell biology, cellular therapies, and/or cancer biology.
- Technical skills in immunology techniques, cell culture, flow cytometry, animal models, genomic and proteomic analyses.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience specifically with cancer immunology, drug development, immune cell engineering.
- Background in translational research, clinical trial development, or therapeutic applications.
- Proficiency in bioinformatics tools relevant to immunological data analysis.
Application Instructions
Applicants at any academic level should apply online at https://jobs.utsouthwestern.edu/search for Job #966386)
Learn More
Explore the Choi Laboratory's research, publications, and ongoing programs:
- Choi Laboratory website: Choi (Jaehyuk) Lab | UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
- Laboratory research overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMnKZ0bko0U
- Dr. Jaehyuk Choi Influuent: Jaehyuk Choi - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Application Requirements:
- Cover Letter outlining research interests and career goals
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of research accomplishments and future research plans
- Names and contact information of three professional references
- Letters or Recommendation (3)
Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026 and continue until December 31, 2026.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
Appointment rank will be commensurate with academic accomplishment and experience. Consideration may be given to applicants seeking less than a full-time schedule.
To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers, visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/
Benefits
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
- Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!