Postdoctoral Research Fellow:

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the computational lab of Dr. Kasia Rejniak on new exciting interdisciplinary projects in metastatic cancer development and immuno-oncology treatments.

The funded projects will be performed in close collaboration with cancer biologists, immunologists, and clinicians.

(1) "Development of Adoptive T-Cell Therapy in Bladder Cancer Incorporating Patient-Specific Tumor Microenvironment" in collaboration with labs of Dr. Shari Pilon-Thomas and Dr. Michael Poch.

The adoptive immunotherapy with intravesical delivery of autologous tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer.

We will develop and validate an in silico model incorporating tumors microenvironment in order to predict which patients will benefit from TIL therapy. This will be done in parallel with a Phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and feasibility of intravesical delivery of TIL in patients with bladder cancer; and with experimental studies to define antigens recognized by TIL in bladder tumors. Both experimental and clinical studies will provide data for model development and validation.

(2) "Modeling the Role and Regulation of Reactive Stroma in Breast Ductal Carcinoma Microinvasions" in collaboration with Dr. Mehdi Damaghi.

The first step in upstaging of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is manifested as microinvasions, that is cohorts of cells that breach the basement membrane and penetrate into the surrounding tissue. Our goal is to test whether emergence of reactive stroma is a pre-requisite for initiation of microinvasions and involves metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells.

We will develop an integrated computational-experimental approach to (i) stratify the impact of tumor-derived metabolic conditions on stromal activation; (ii) assess the role of reactive stroma in promoting microinvasions in DCIS; and (iii) evaluate reactive stroma signatures in DCIS histology.

The mathematical and computational methods used by our lab include the microscopic (ABM) and macroscopic (ODEs) in silico models supported by in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo data, and quantitative analyses of histology and multiplex fluorescent images.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• experience in mathematical or computational methods for modeling biological systems (ODEs, PDEs, ABMs, and/or machine learning), with a preference for those with knowledge of cancer,
• high motivation and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team,
• demonstrated creativity and ability to work independently and within the group,
• strong programming skills (i.e., Matlab, C/C++, Java, Python, R) for modeling and data analysis.

Rejniak Lab is a part of the Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF file that includes (1) a cover letter summarizing their research training and accomplishments, (2) a personal statement of scientific interests and goals, (3) current CV with a list of research presentations and publications, and (4) contact information for three references to Dr. Kasia Rejniak at Kasia.Rejniak@moffitt.org and apply online (job number 54557) here.