News Summary
The Hambardzumyan Laboratory at the Penn Brain Tumor Center is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to advance research on brain tumor immunology and treatment response. The position emphasizes investigating the immune microenvironment in glioblastoma. Ideal candidates should possess relevant degrees and experience in immunology, neuroscience, or cancer biology, and will work under the guidance of Dr. Dolores Hambardzumyan to develop innovative approaches in neuro-oncology.
Philadelphia
The Hambardzumyan Laboratory at the Penn Brain Tumor Center, part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, has announced an immediate opening for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join its pioneering research team. The position, recently circulated as of December 18, 2025, aims to advance understanding of how the brain tumor immune microenvironment influences tumor growth and treatment response. This critical research is focused on developing the next generation of precision immunotherapies for aggressive brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma.
A Call for Innovation in Neuro-Oncology
This opportunity calls for passionate scientists to contribute to unraveling complex biological mechanisms at the forefront of neuro-oncology. The selected Postdoctoral Fellow will engage in cutting-edge projects designed to shed light on the intricate relationship between brain tumors and the immune system. The ultimate goal is to identify and disrupt tumor-supportive niches, which are crucial for designing more effective treatments against both pediatric and adult high-grade gliomas.
Key Research Projects for the Postdoctoral Fellow
The position offers engagement in two primary research avenues. One project involves investigating the role of microglia in glioblastoma. This will utilize a comprehensive approach including patient samples, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia, next-generation humanized mouse models, and genetically engineered glioblastoma models. The second project focuses on developing hyper-mutant Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) mouse models. These models will be integrated with patient-derived samples to study responses to emerging immunotherapies, specifically CAR-T cell therapies.
The Focus of the Hambardzumyan Laboratory
Led by Dolores Hambardzumyan, PhD, MBA, a distinguished neuroscientist, the laboratory is dedicated to understanding the brain tumor microenvironment and its influence on therapy response. Dr. Hambardzumyan is a tenured Professor in Neurosurgery and the Scientific Director of the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Her team has significantly contributed to developing methods for immune profiling of brain tumors, including identifying novel markers to differentiate various populations of tumor-associated macrophages. Their research also explores how genetic driver mutations shape the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment and can alter the effectiveness of treatments.
The laboratory is particularly interested in developing novel therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of human cancer, affecting both children and adults. They investigate the role of tumor-associated immune cells, known as macrophages, in gliomas through advanced techniques such as genetically engineered mouse models, sophisticated imaging, and large-scale gene expression analysis. Another area of focus includes understanding the function of the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in cerebral edema linked to glioblastoma.
Pioneering Research at Penn Brain Tumor Center
The Penn Brain Tumor Center is a recognized leader in treating a wide range of brain tumors. It is known for its innovative, leading-edge approaches, combining the latest research with clinical expertise to manage complex cases. The center is at the forefront of developing new immune therapies for glioblastoma, including pioneering CAR-T cell therapies. Penn Medicine played a pivotal role in the world’s first gene-based cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and continues to be an international leader in researching and treating glioblastoma. The center’s multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively, encompassing various departments to accelerate mission-critical work in neuro-oncology.
The Vital Role of Postdoctoral Research
Postdoctoral fellowships are crucial for nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders. They provide an essential period for early-career scientists to deepen their expertise, refine research skills, and prepare for independent careers in cancer research. Such positions offer comprehensive support, including competitive stipends, research funding, and mentorship from world-renowned researchers, enabling fellows to pursue innovative, high-impact research. This foundational training is vital for translating scientific discoveries into clinical solutions that ultimately improve patient outcomes and save lives.
Application Information
Prospective candidates for the Postdoctoral Fellow position must hold an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD degree. Essential qualifications include a strong background in immunology, neuroscience, and/or cancer biology. While not strictly required, prior experience with iPSCs, genetics/genomics, or mouse cancer models is highly desirable. Ideal applicants will possess scientific curiosity, excellent communication and organizational skills, critical thinking abilities, and a collaborative spirit. A minimum of one first-author, peer-reviewed publication from previous PhD work is a mandatory requirement.
The chosen fellow will operate within a highly collaborative environment, with ample opportunities to interact closely with investigators and clinicians across the Penn Brain Tumor Center, including specialists from the Cancer Biology and Immunology Institutes. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter detailing their research interests and career goals, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Dr. Dolores Hambardzumyan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What position is currently open at the Hambardzumyan Laboratory?
- The Hambardzumyan Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and passionate Postdoctoral Fellow to join their research group.
- Where is the Hambardzumyan Laboratory located?
- The Hambardzumyan Laboratory is located at the Penn Brain Tumor Center, within the Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
- Who leads the Hambardzumyan Laboratory?
- The laboratory is led by Dolores Hambardzumyan, PhD, MBA, a neuroscientist focusing on neuro-oncology and Scientific Director of the Brain Tumor Center.
- What is the main research focus of the laboratory?
- The main research focus is to unravel how the brain tumor immune microenvironment shapes tumorigenesis and therapeutic response, with a goal to develop novel therapeutic pathways for glioblastoma.
- What are the key qualifications for the Postdoctoral Fellow position?
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD. A strong background in immunology, neuroscience, and/or cancer biology is essential, and at least one first-author, peer-reviewed publication from PhD work is required.
Key Features of the Postdoctoral Fellow Position
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Host Institution | Hambardzumyan Laboratory, Penn Brain Tumor Center, University of Pennsylvania |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Research Focus | Brain tumor immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, therapeutic response, precision immunotherapies for glioblastoma. Includes investigation of microglia and development of hyper-mutant GBM mouse models for CAR-T cell therapies. |
| Principal Investigator | Dolores Hambardzumyan, PhD, MBA |
| Required Degree | MD, PhD, or MD-PhD |
| Essential Background | Immunology, neuroscience, and/or cancer biology |
| Publication Requirement | At least one first-author, peer-reviewed publication from PhD work |
| Work Environment | Highly collaborative, opportunities for interaction across Penn Brain Tumor Center, Cancer Biology, and Immunology Institutes. |
| Goal | Advance brain tumor immunology and shape next-generation precision immunotherapies. |
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