Scholarship: Full benefits
Degree: Ph.D., M.D
Nationality: International Students
Location: USA
Application deadlines: Open
Scholarship Description:
The immune system is not only essential for host defense against pathogens, but also plays critical roles in regulating tissue homeostasis in response to various environmental or genotoxicinsults. Our previous work has demonstrated the diverse functions and mechanisms by which different immune cell types and pathways interact with the commensal microbiota or the nervous system in the context of metabolic diseases (Nature, 2020; Nature, 2012;), tissue injury (Science, 2016; PNAS, 2011), and particularly in cancer (Cell, 2019; Nature Reviews Cancer, 2013).
Current research in our lab is focused on studying how host-intrinsicfactors (e.g. the nervous system, genetic/epigenetic alterations in cancer cells) or environmental cues (e.g. microbiota) reprogram the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the ultimate goal to convert the “cold” tumors to “hot” tumors to improve immunotherapies. We are combining unique genetically engineered mouse models with state-of-the art technologies including single-cell based multi-omics, advanced imaging, in vivo CRIPSR-based genome editing. Specific projects involve (1) novel myeloid subsets in “hot” and “cold” tumors, (2) neuro-immune interaction in the lung, (3) innate immune sensing in the TME, (4) the gut-lung axis, (5)CRISPR screen of novel molecular targets for tumor immunotherapy.The lab is well-funded with superb resources, including unique germ-free genetic mouse models.
About the PI:
Dr. Chengcheng Jin graduated from Tsinghua University with B.S. in Biological Sciences. She obtained her Ph.D. from Yale University, where she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Flavell to study innate immune receptors in health and diseases. Then as a postdoc fellow with Dr. Tyler Jacks at MIT, she demonstrated the critical role of microbiota-immune crosstalk in lung cancer. Dr. Jin has published a number of first or co-first author research articles in Cell, Science, Nature as well as many reviews. She has also been recognized by multiple prestigious awards, including the NIH Directors’ New Innovator Award, the Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research, the Damon Runyon Innovation Award, the NIH Pathway to Independence Award, the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35.
About the School:
University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine) has been consistently ranked as top 3 of the best medical school in research in U.S., with exceptional research community and resources in cancer biology, immunology and microbiology.
Available Subjects:
- Forefront of tumorimmunology and neuro-immune crosstalk
Eligibility criteria:
- We are looking for highly motivated and talented scientists to join our team and address the fundamental questions in tumor immunology and neuro-immune crosstalk. Candidates with Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degrees who have research experience in immunology, neurobiology, microbiology, mouse genetics, cancer biology, bioinformatics or related areas are welcome to apply!
Application Procedure:
- Please email your CV, a brief description of your previous work and your future research interests to [email protected].
