Because we all have a role
in making care exceptional
Postdoctoral Fellow – Prajwal Rajappa Lab
Req#: 319540
Location:
Facilities: Main Campus
Professional Area: Physician
Job Code: X1004
Schedule: Full Time
Shift: Variable
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Our translational laboratory is dedicated to bridging the gap between bench and bedside by developing innovative cellular immunotherapies for children and young adults with gliomas and other CNS tumors. We are particularly focused on integrating personalized medicine and immunotherapy as an addition to the standard of care to improve survival and quality of life for our patients.
Principal Investigator: Prajwal Rajappa, MD, MS
Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Center for Immunotherapy and ImmunoOncology
Lab Research Topics:
- Pediatric and Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) brain cancer
- Glioma and Central nervous system (CNS) tumor and immune biology
- Innate (myeloid) and adaptive immunity within the glioma immune microenvironment
- Personalized medicine
- Cellular immunotherapy
- For more information about the lab’s research, please contact Dr. Rajappa at rajappp@ccf.org.
Job Responsibilities:
- Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation
- Conduct translational research focused on Pediatric and Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Gliomas and Central Nervous System tumors
- Design and implement cellular immunotherapy strategies to prevent glioma progression
- Develop and evaluate personalized medicine approaches to complement standard of care
- Leverage unique human and mouse archival tissues to advance research and clinical impact
Education:
- PhD or MD/PhD required
- MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD
Languages:
- English Proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J-1, J-2, or F1 + OPT visa status
Work Experience:
- Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
- Scientific writing experience
Additional Preferred Qualities:
- Strong background in cancer biology or tumor immunology
- Experience with molecular biology techniques and mouse modeling (in-vivo handling and treatment studies in mouse tumor model systems)
- Experience with multi-parameter flow cytometry, myeloid, NK, and T cell-based assays for human and mouse samples
- Experience working with the interpretation of next-generation sequencing data
- Strong publication record in addition to excellent communication and teamwork skills
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
- Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
- Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information
- Ability to distinguish color
- Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment
- Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds
- May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, radioactive materials, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment:
- PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory
Preferred Application Materials:
- CV
- Research statement
- References list
- All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Prajwal Rajappa at rajappp@ccf.org.
Keywords: Postdoc, Research, LRI, Pediatric Oncology, CNS Tumors, Personalized Medicine, Immunotherapy, Glioma, Translational Research, Tumor Microenvironment, Myeloid based Therapy, Single-cell Sequencing, Neuro-oncology, Cancer Genomics, Precision Medicine, Immuno-oncology, Cell Therapy, Translational Medicine
Pay Range
Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00
Maximum Annual Salary: $312,000.00
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).
Nursing Support Career Paths
Working for Cleveland Clinic is more than just a job – it can be a launching point for an exceptional career. Nursing Support plays a critical role in ensuring excellent care and positive patient experiences. There is a wide range of roles to contribute to this vital team. We are committed to providing you with the resources and support you need to define and follow your own unique career path, whether in Nursing Support or other areas of our organization. Nursing Support opportunities include:
Benefits Offerings
Our caregivers deliver the best outcomes for our patients across each of our facilities. We are committed to providing them with the kind of exceptional care they bring to our patients. Caregivers like you come to work each day with a passion for what you do. So, we are always focused on fueling that passion, empowering you to be your best both inside our hospitals and in your life. Our outstanding, comprehensive offerings are an investment in your health, well-being and future. Explore the following benefits and get a closer look at how we’re focused on what matters most to you.

We offer the following choices to cover your health, dental and vision care as well as life insurance.
- Health Plan Options – You have the choice between two comprehensive Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan options: EHP and EHP Plus. Both plans are administered by Aetna and feature minimal copays for in-network care. Although the benefit designs of EHP and EHP Plus are identical, they differ in their provider network size, with EHP offering a narrow network and EHP Plus providing access to the wide Aetna Open Access Select network. Both plans include access to Cleveland Clinic providers. The health plan also offers Healthy Choice, a voluntary program where participants earn premium discounts for achieving wellness goals.
- Dental Care – Four plan options administered by Cigna are available.
- Vision Care – Two plan options administered by EyeMed are available.
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare and Dependent Care FSAs are available to help you pay for eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars.
- Life Insurance – Employer-paid life insurance equals 1x your annual salary with an option to purchase supplemental life insurance up to 10x your salary. You may also purchase dependent life insurance for a spouse and dependent children
- Short- and Long-term Disability Coverage – Short-term disability is available after one continuous year of regular full-time service; long-term disability begins after 90 days.

Because financial security is essential to a secure retirement, we sponsor a comprehensive retirement program to help you build for your financial future:
- Cleveland Clinic Investment Pension Plan offers eligible employees an excellent opportunity to build a retirement account for the future. It is fully funded by Cleveland Clinic and equal to 2.5% of your salary (increasing with more years of service).
- The 401(k) / 403(b) Plan also provides an important source of retirement savings. It allows participants to take responsibility for their financial future by making retirement savings a part of their normal routine while working. In addition to your contributions to the plan, Cleveland Clinic matches a portion of your contributions (50% on up to your first 6% in contributions).

- Paid Time Off (PTO) – Eligible caregivers receive Paid Time Off (PTO) that can be allotted toward vacation, holidays, sick time, etc.
- Caregiver discounts – We offer discounted rates for auto, home and pet insurance, identify theft protection and more.
- Adoption assistance – We provide financial assistance of up to $5,000/per child ($10,000 maximum lifetime benefit) for caregivers who choose to legally adopt a child.
- Employee Assistance Program – The Program provides free, confidential short-term counseling for caregivers and their families, whether for relationships or legal challenges.
- Employee Hardship Fund – This fund provides aid for caregivers experiencing unexpected financial difficulties.
- Paid maternity and parental leave – You will enjoy up to eight consecutive weeks for maternal care after the birth of your child to bond with your baby and up to four weeks for parental care.


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