Postdoctoral Fellow – T-Cell Signaling and CAR-T Immunotherapy

Job Details

Postdoctoral Fellow – T-Cell Signaling and CAR-T Immunotherapy Université de Montréal | CR-Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CR-HMR), Montréal, Canada

The Dr Christopher Rudd laboratory at Université de Montréal (with an affiliation to McGill University) is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to study the molecular mechanisms governing T-cell activation and to translate these insights into next-generation immunotherapies, with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell design. Our group has defined core signaling pathways required for T-cell activation, including mechanisms that underpin current CAR-T platforms. Building on this foundation, we are now identifying novel kinases and adaptor pathways that regulate immune responses to cancer and viral infection, with the goal of developing more effective and durable immunotherapies. Selected papers of interest include Taylor et al .,2016 Immunity, 44:274-86; Krueger J and Rudd CE. (2017) Immunity 46, 529-531; Raab et al., Nat Commun. 2017 8:16001; Ben Saad et al., (2024) Cell Reports 43(11):114907; Santinon et al., (2022)Sci Rep. 12(1):18509; Moës, B. et al. (2026). STTT, in press.

Research Areas

• T-cell receptor (TCR) and co-receptor signaling pathways
• Immunometabolism and mechanisms of immune suppression in cancer
• Signal transduction networks involving kinases (e.g., GSK-3) and adaptor proteins (e.g., SLP-76, ADAP, SKAP1)
• Engineering and evaluation of novel CAR-T cell platforms targeting hematological and solid tumors

Key Responsibilities

Develop and lead independent research projects in T-cell signaling and immuno-oncology

• Molecular biology (essential), biochemistry and cellular approaches to study immune function
• Perform high-dimensional analyses, including metabolomics would be an asset
• Utilize preclinical mouse models and, where applicable, human clinical samples
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and grant writing
• Participate in mentoring of graduate and undergraduate trainees

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

What We Offer

• Top international lab with competitive salary and benefits
• Access to advanced infrastructure, including metabolomics and imaging platforms
• Collaborative environment across Université de Montréal and affiliated centres
• Career development opportunities, including grant writing and leadership training
• Support for conferences and international networking
• High quality of life in vibrant, relatively affordable Montréal

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF containing:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages outlining research experience, interests, and career goals)
• Curriculum vitae with full publication list
• One-page summary of previous research
• Contact information for three referees

Contact

Dr. Christopher Rudd

Email: Christopher.e.rudd@umontreal.ca

https://www.christopher-rudd-lab-montreal.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Université de Montréal and the Research Environment

Université de Montréal is a major academic hub within Montréal’s internationally recognized biomedical ecosystem. It is closely integrated with premier research centres, including the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CR-HMR) Centre of Excellence, the CHUM Cancer Centre, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), and the Jewish General Hospital Cancer Centre. Together, these institutions provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong clinical integration, and exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Within this environment, the Rudd laboratory is internationally recognized for its contributions to T-cell signaling and immuno-oncology and maintains active collaborations across these centres, supporting highly integrated basic, translational, and preclinical research programs. Université de Montréal is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community.