Research Scientist I - Tumor Immune Microenvironment

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace. Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by News & World Report since 1999.
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.

Summary

A Research Scientist I position is available in the cancer research lab of Tony Amelio located within the Stabile Research Building at the Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, a world-class NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Amelio Lab applies an interdisciplinary approach that integrates use of bioinformatics, drug and CRISPR screens, novel mouse models, and biologic light-based tools to study tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo.

This position will focus on the effects of biophysical changes in the tumor microenvironment on tumor immune dynamics and is related to two recent publications by the lab in Cell Reports (Carper et al) and Neoplasia (Sato et al.). Our laboratory is currently funded by grants awarded from the National Institutes of Health.

Position Highlights:
• Use cutting-edge technologies (novel in vivo bioluminescent imaging technologies and genetically engineered mouse models of cancer) as platforms of discovery.
• Generate new tools and use or innovate new models of cancer to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the contributions of tumor heterogeneity to the development of drug tolerance.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and basic scientists on projects highly relevant to human disease.
• Extensive opportunities to develop new skills in molecular and cellular biology, in the development and analysis of animal models and identification and assessment of novel therapeutic approaches.
• Work closely with Dr. Amelio on the postdoctoral fellow’s career development (, grant/manuscript writing, scientific presentations, mentoring graduate students, networking).
• Moffitt integrates excellent patient care with cutting-edge clinical and basic research. Having a cancer hospital on-site provides unique opportunities for translational research.
• You will be encouraged and supported to apply for training grants.

The Ideal Candidate:
• Has good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
• Has a strong background in the cancer biology, tumor microenvironment, immuno-oncology, extracellular matrix biology, mechanisms of immune evasion, mouse models, molecular biology techniques, and microscopy and analysis.
• Must be comfortable working with laboratory mice, with a few years’ experience of handling mice preferred.
• Must possess good problem-solving and organizational skills, be self-driven and enthusiastic, and should also demonstrate the ability to conduct experiments independently and under supervision.

Responsibilities:
• Work independently and has a strong desire to develop independent projects.
• Design and execute experiments; analyze and interpret data.
• Regularly present findings to the lab and to the Moffitt community and attend conferences to disseminate research findings in preparation for publication.
• Write manuscripts, postdoctoral fellowships and assist with other funding applications.

Credentials and Qualifications:
• Candidates must hold a and/or degree with a minimum of three years of Postdoc experience.

Moffitt Team Members are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. You may be eligible for relocation allowance per policy. Reasons to relocate, aside from the sunshine, beaches and year-round outdoor recreation associated with the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city, which has become a hub for ground-breaking research, welcoming individuals from around the globe. This diverse city is engulfed with rich culture, year-round activities for all, beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine and so much more. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission, then we have a place for you.

Interested applicants should send a single PDF file that includes a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, current CV with recent publications, and contact information for three references to Dr. Tony Amelio at