We are looking for postdoc candidates with experience in cancer biology, mouse models and genome-engineering. Please email CV and 3 letters of recommendation to Wen.Xue@umassmed.edu.
Our lab uses CRISPR tools to speed up cancer gene discovery and disease gene repair. Rotation projects are available to explore experimental techniques such as molecular cloning of CRISPR plasmids, measuring genome-editing efficiency, dissecting mice, and processing of mouse tumor/tissue for histology.
Psychology And Neuroscience & Behavior Program
Johnnie Ray Cox Term Chair in Biomedical Research
Elisabeth Chair for the Dean of Medicine
Penelope Booth Rockwell Chair in Biomedical Research
Focus: Adeno-associated virus vector mediated gene transfer for gene therapy, gene therapy of inherited neurodegenerative Canavan Disease
Robert M. and Shirley S. Siff Chair in Autism
Donna M. and Robert J. Manning Chair in Neurosciences
Dr. Brown’s laboratory has focused on the identification of gene defects that elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of selected neuromuscular diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), muscular dystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, hereditary neuropathy and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.
Dr. Esteves is a neuroscientist with interest in gene therapy to help treat neurodegenerative diseases.
<p >Potential rotation projects My lab primarily investigates Plasmodium falciparum malaria-induced dysregulation of EBV-specific T cell immunity and its role in the etiology of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL), the most prevalent pediatric cancer in Equatorial Africa. Within the context of our ongoing studies of healthy Kenyan children with divergent malaria exposure histories (chronic/repeated infections in a holoendemic area versus low infection rates in a nearby highland, malaria hypoendemic area) and by examining children diagnosed with eBL we have established a repository of samples that can be used to address this question. <p >1. One avenue of exploration involves homeostatic cytokine regulation of memory T cells. IL-15 and/or IL-7 responsiveness of EBV-specific memory T cells may be impaired in children with chronic malaria exposure and in children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). We would like to investigate IL-15Ra and IL-7Ra surface expression, and CFSE proliferation of EBV-specific T cells in response to cognate antigen with and without IL-15 or IL-7 stimulation and compared children with divergent malaria exposure histories and children diagnosed with eBL. T cell responsiveness to IL-15 and IL-7 can be measured by STAT5 phosphorylation and the specificity of this effect for EBV-specific T cells can be evaluated by comparing IL-15Ra and IL-7Ra expression and responsiveness on other lymphocyte subsets and CMV-specific T cells. <p >2. Another putative mechanism by which malaria may interfere with the development of immunologic memory and influence EBV-specific T cell immunity is through the Programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway. PD-1 is an immune inhibitory molecule that negatively regulates activated immune cells upon interacting with its ligands, programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and programmed death ligand-2 (PD-L2) resulting in down-regulation of immune responses. Previous studies in murine and primate viral and parasitic diseases have reported the up-regulation of PD-1 and soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) but no studies have reported the expression of PD-1 in individuals from areas with divergent malaria transmission dynamics or in children presenting with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL). In addition the PD-1 pathway has been suggested to be involved in the evasion of antitumor immunity by the host immune system. Preliminary studies in my lab suggest that PD-1 expression is significantly increased on CD4, CD8 T cells, B cells and NK cells in those residing in high malaria transmission areas compared to age-matched individuals without a history of malaria exposure. Future studies will explore the kinetics of this effect, the impact of antigen dose and how malaria exploits PD-1 mediated regulation to impair the development of immunologic memory. <p >3. Another area of interest is the role of Th17 cells in pediatric immunity. Because of the naturally delayed production of TH1 mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-12 and IFN-g) in utero, neonatal immunity is thought to be Ã¢â‚¬ËœsuppressedÃ¢â‚¬â„¢. However, more recent studies have shown that neonatal monocytes and antigen-presenting cells do express pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines (i.e. IL-6, IL-10 and IL-23) and at higher levels than adults. Thus TH17 cells appear to be an early, sequential response to pathogens prior to the induction of a TH1 or TH2 response. TH17 cells are also stimulated with IL-21 and IL-22 in an autocrine and paracrine fashion by natural killer cells. Exploring Th17 cell responses within the context of early-age human infections with malaria and EBV would be an exciting new avenue of investigation in my laboratory.
Rotations We always welcome rotation students who are interested in learning more about the eye and the techniques the lab utilizes. Most rotation projects can be integrated into a Ph.D. thesis afterwards if the candidate desires to continue with this line of research. In my lab we use molecular biology, genetics, histology, virology and surgical procedures on mice to conduct our research. You will be working in an environment that is focused on translational research and gaining basic science knowledge on disease that affect vision in order to develop better therapeutic strategies to the currently available strategies. The goal of the lab is to move as quickly as possible from a basic science discovery to a therapeutic application. The basic science research the lab is conducting focuses around the role of metabolism and the Insulin/mTOR pathway in photoreceptors. Interested in a rotation? Email Dr. Punzo and ask if a project is currently available.
Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III
Please email Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu if you are interested in rotations.
Focus: AAV vector technology and AAV-mediated miRNA therapeutics
David J. and Barbara D. Milliken Professor in Preventive Cardiology
Higgins Family Professor in Neuroscience
Potential Rotation Projects Project #1: Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Disease. The student can select projects emphasizing either molecular mechanisms of huntingtin in trafficking in neurons or receptor stimulated effects on gene expression in neurons. Techniques include: Generation of fusion proteins, raising antisera Preparation of organelles Immunocytochemistry, light microscopy and electron microscopy Immunoprecipitation methods PCR Protein separation techniques, gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting Autoradiography
One postdoctoral position is available to study the mechanism and treatment of motor neuron disease. Experience in molecular biology and neuroscience is preferred. Contact Dr. Xu for additional details.
Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Focus: Virology and vectorology of adeno-associated viruses
We are looking for motivated postdoctoral researchers. Send in your application and get in touch today!
- AAV gene therapy for genetic diseases - Therapeutic genome editing - RNA-based approaches to treating genetic diseases - Interactions between AAV vector and host cell - AAV vector capsid engineering
Population and Quantitative Health Sciences
Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology
Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan - Baystate
Post Doc - Open Rank Job Number: 2025-48103 Category: Research Location: Worcester, MA Shift: Day Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School Department: School - Rheumatology - W710085 Job Type: Full-Time Salary Grade: 86 Union Code: Non Union Position-W63-Residents/Post Docs Num. Openings: 1 Post Date: May 26, 2025 https://www.ummsjobs.com/job/11019/ The Sato Lab at UMass Med is seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow to join our team at the forefront of gene editing and cell therapy research. Our research group is focusing on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases and autoimmune disorders. Through innovative approaches such as gene editing and cell therapy, we aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat these conditions and improve patient outcomes. Project Highlights: Utilize CRISPR gene editing techniques Engineer and explore gene/cell therapies for disease treatment Investigate the genetic basis of rare skeletal and connective tissue diseases Unravel mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders Interested candidates should submit a CV or resume, a cover letter with a short description outlining research interests and relevant experience, and contact information for three references to tadatoshi.sato@umassmed.edu. Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line.
Chengzhi Du, PhD. Chengzhi received his PhD degree in Cancer Biology in 2019 from Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. Since then, he joined Zhong Lab as a Postdoctoral Associate, initially at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, then moved with the lab to UMass Chan Medical School (5/20/2023-).
Mengjia Lu, PhD. Mengjia was a graduate student in Zhong Lab. She joined the lab in late 2019 and received her PhD degree in Chemical Genomics in July 2023 from Peking University, China. As the lab then moved to UMass Chan Medical School, she rejoined the lab at UMass Med as a Postdoctoral Associate (10/16/2023-).
Postdoctoral Positions Available We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, molecular physiology, RNA biology/biochemistry, or related fields in biological and biomedical sciences. Prior research experience in metabolic disease molecular physiology/therapy or cancer immunotherapies is highly desirable. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV listing three references by email to Guocai Zhong at Guocai.Zhong@umassmed.edu.
Rotation projects are available in the three areas of our lab's current research interests.
Joseph D. Early Chair in Biomedical Research