Phd Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Details

The laboratory of Dr. Mark Tykocinski, Dean Emeritus of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, and most recently, recipient of the 2026 FASEB ASIP Gold-Headed Cane Award, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Associate (PhD, 5+ years of relevant experience) to join our research team.
Our laboratory focuses on the development of novel dual-targeting fusion protein therapeutics designed to selectively activate or suppress innate and adaptive immune responses. A first fusion protein has shown considerable promise in Phase 2 clinical trials as a cancer immunotherapeutic for advanced colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers, in active partnership with a clinical-stage biotechnology company.
The ideal candidate will bring advanced training in immunology, structural biology, molecular biology, and/or protein engineering to independently drive complex experimental initiatives that support both established and emerging translational programs within the laboratory. Candidates with deep expertise in immunology, protein therapeutics, and experience with murine tumor models are strongly preferred.
This position is ideal for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, translationally focused research environment and seeks to play a leadership role in advancing biologic therapeutics toward clinical application.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Independently develop and refine hypotheses aligned with laboratory translational objectives.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experimental strategies in molecular biology, cellular immunology, and protein biochemistry.
• Lead protein engineering and functional characterization efforts for therapeutic fusion constructs.
• Perform and oversee mammalian cell culture using sterile technique, including immune and tumor cell line manipulation.
• Design, conduct, and interpret in vivo murine tumor model experiments, including tumor engraftment, therapeutic dosing, immune profiling, and tissue harvest.
• Analyze experimental datasets using appropriate statistical methodologies and data visualization tools.
• Present scientific findings at internal meetings, institutional seminars, and external scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, regulatory documents, and translational study reports.
• Maintain detailed, accurate electronic laboratory records in compliance with institutional and collaborative standards.
• Stay current with emerging literature in immunotherapy, immune checkpoint biology, and biologic drug development.
• Collaborate effectively with internal team members and external industry partners to support translational milestones.
• Mentor junior laboratory members and contribute to maintaining a rigorous and collaborative research environment.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant post-PhD research experience (academic, industry, or translational setting).
• Demonstrated expertise in immunological assay development and mechanistic immune studies.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and functional characterization of biologics.
• Hands-on experience with murine tumor models strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific communication.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively to team-based research goals.

Work Shift

Workday Day (United States of America)

Worker Sub Type

Regular

Employee Entity

Thomas Jefferson University

Primary Location Address

1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow's professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.

Jefferson is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap or disability or any other protected group or status.

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts. Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service. All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time(including per diemcolleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.

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