We are currently recruiting for two postdoctoral positions with flexible start dates starting immediately.

Microbiota and cancer immunotherapy: Supported by The V Foundation, this project aims to build new live biotherapeutic agents to augment standard and next-generation cancer immunotherapy drugs. Ideal candidates for this position will have experience and/or a strong interest in building their skill set in bioinformatics, enzyme biochemistry, genome engineering, flow cytometry, and in vivo cancer immunotherapy modeling.

Chemical probes and engineered microbes: Supported by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, this project aims to exploit endogenous biosynthetic pathways to decipher biological functions of probiotic polysaccharides. Ideal candidates for this position will have experience and/or a strong interest in building their skill set in synthetic and chemical biology, genome engineering, flow cytometry, glycan-protein binding, and multiplex screening.

Postdoctoral candidates may apply by providing (1) their CV or NIH biosketch, (2) a one-page cover letter describing their current research interests and what they hope to work on in our lab, and (3) the contact information (email and phone number) of at least three references. Particular preference will be made for applicants with experience in organic synthesis, glycoscience, bioinformatics, immunology, high-throughput methods, or in vivo cancer models, but all well-qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply for independent funding before and during their first year in the lab.

We anticipate 2-3 students joining our laboratory in the 2024-2025 academic year. Graduate students admitted to the UCI Chemistry, Pharm Sci, or CMB Graduate Programs who are interested in rotating in our lab should contact Matt by email. Rotation students will be admitted through the Fall and Winter quarters. Prospective graduate students applying to UC Irvine are also encouraged to reach out.

Our lab also welcomes undergraduate students who are interested in chemical biology, host-microbial interactions, and cancer immunity. Our lab has a strong preference for students who will pursue research-based degrees after graduation. Undergraduates are expected to be integral members of the lab and should plan to commit 10-15 hours per week for at least one year, and students will be encouraged to network and present their projects through UCI’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

Current sophomore or junior undergraduates may reach out to join the lab in Fall 2024. Interested candidates should send their CV, a brief (~100 word) description of prior research activities, and a brief (~100 word) description of their plans after undergrad to griffin [at] uci.edu.