Postdoctoral Associate—Germinal Center B Cell Competition

Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Description. We are seeking a creative and driven postdoctoral associate to join the new MLYnarczyk lab at Yale University (opening July 1st, 2024). At the interface between Immunology, Cancer and Metabolism, our multi-disciplinary team will tackle how immuno-metabolic deregulation of germinal centers shapes B cell lymphomagenesis. 

Building on our recent discovery of supercompetition as a key mechanism of malignant transformation of germinal center B cells (Mlynarczyk et al Science 2023), (1) the candidate will uncover how reprogramming of T-B immune synapse signals drives B cell competitive fitness in germinal centers and yields B cell lymphomas that are addicted to microenvironmental cues. Additional projects in the lab will focus on (2) elucidating how germinal center B cells and derived lymphomas satisfy their metabolic needs to sustain intense growth and proliferation; and (3) dissecting the biochemical mechanisms underlying elevated mRNA translation rates in these cells and .

Training. The candidate will benefit from the lab’s expertise in precise mouse modelling of the immune response and B cell lymphomagenesis, complex immunological assays, in vivo metabolic flux analyses and high-dimensional flow cytometry. The candidate will carry out functional experiments using mouse models, immune and tumor cells, B cell lymphoma patient-derived xenografts and primary samples. With our collaborators, the candidate will implement state-of-the-art spatial analysis of lymphoid tissues (including single-cell gene expression and metabolic flux profiles) and single-cell phospho-proteomics.

Mentoring. In the MLY Lab, each mentee will have a short and long-term career development plan and the opportunity to discuss needs, receive and provide feedback yearly. Weekly one-on-one meetings will support continuous development of the mentees and research progress. Postdoctoral Associates will write research proposals and receive training and mentoring for putting together competitive applications, present their work at conferences to engage with the scientific community, publish in peer-reviewed journals and be encouraged to build new collaborations with interdisciplinary experts, locally and internationally. Dr. Mlynarczyk has a strong track-record of mentoring graduate students, research technicians and peers, of obtaining peer-reviewed competitive funding and publishing high quality science.

Philosophy. We envision to establish ourselves as a new, exciting, and welcoming lab, where everyone can share ideas, provide feedback and mentor each other. We hope to recruit people that share this spirit and have the desire to facilitate the growth of a new lab, doing innovative, rigorous science in an evolving field. Discoveries will involve teamwork within the lab and with external collaborators and we are looking forward to fostering a dynamic, diverse, inclusive, flourishing and fun lab environment, allowing each individual to grow as a scientist and person.

Environment. Our team will initially be composed of 4 members and will grow as our research advances. Our lab will be part of the Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology (Yale Cancer Center) and have pending affiliation with the incredible Immunobiology and Pathology Departments at Yale. We will share the floor with a combination of young and well-established groups, forming a highly interactive, rich, and vibrant environment for trainees. An open laboratory space, shared floor lounge area and several conference rooms will support interactions. There will opportunities to participate in multi-lab meetings, journal clubs, departmental research-in-progress seminars and scientific retreats. Additionally, trainees will be integrated into the thriving research, education and health-care communities as well as training and well-being programs across Yale University. The building features a state-of-the art flow core, newly renovated and fully equipped mouse facility. The building is Downtown, right next to the stunning Yale campus. New Haven hosts an extremely diverse population and is ideally located on the East Coast, a short train ride to New York City and Boston and everything these cities have to offer, both scientifically and personally.

Qualifications. Applicants must have a recent/upcoming PhD or MD/PhD degree in a relevant field and one first author publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Applicants should have experience in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics/genomics or related fields. Experience with mouse work is encouraged but is not required if the candidate desires to learn. A curious mind who enjoys doing science is a must. Strong written and oral communication skills are ideal, and the PI will help developing these skills further.

Responsibilities include:
– Conceptualization, designing and progressive independent execution of experiments to streamline the project’s aims
– Active participation in lab meetings, journal clubs, improving the team’s knowledge
– Providing input and guidance to more junior lab members
– Active fostering of cooperative projects with lab members and external collaborators
– Submitting fellowship applications and contributing to the lab grant proposals
– Helping with lab organization and upkeep

Compensation starts at $68,000. Additional information regarding being a Postdoctoral Associate at Yale University is available on the website of the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement. Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Yale is an internationally renowned research institution that has long been recognized as an outstanding environment for nurturing young scientists, with postdoctoral researchers being a vital part of the discovery process. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Applications: Please send in one single PDF your CV, a brief statement of research interests, career goals and why you want to join our lab and contact information for three references to Dr. Mlynarczyk (coraline.mlynarczyk@yale.edu). Interested individuals are also welcome to reach out with any questions. X account: @coraline_mly

Posting ID: 470