A postdoctoral position is available in Kai Wucherpfennig’s lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The project focuses on the development of novel cancer immunotherapy strategies based on discovery of major resistance pathways. We are particularly interested in therapeutic strategies that induce a cooperative response by multiple immune cell populations, including dendritic cells, T cells and NK cells.


An example is our discovery of the epigenetic enzyme CARM1 as an immunotherapy target because it is relevant in all major cell populations of the cancer – immunity cycles, specifically dendritic cells, T cells and cancer cells. CARM1 represents the first small molecule target for enhancing dendritic cell function in tumors, and inhibition of this enzyme sensitizes PD-1 resistant cancers resistant to immune attack (Science July 2026).


Our research integrates investigation of tumor immunity in clinical specimens with in-depth mechanistic analyses in relevant mouse models. We are currently investigating the organization of immune responses in human cancers using high-dimensional spatial transcriptomics and proteomics technologies (Cell March 2026).


The lab and our department offer a vibrant and stimulating environment for research in immunology, and we have ongoing collaborations with outstanding basic, translational and clinical investigators. To learn more about our lab, visit our website: https://labs.dana-farber.org/t-cells-treating-cancer/