Postdoctoral Fellow - Chao Ma Lab

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. This position is appointed through Cleveland Clinic Research. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years. Compensation follows the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale based on total years of postdoctoral experience.

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale

Years of Experience: Stipend for FY 2026

0: $63,480

1: $63,900

2: $64,380

3: $66,948

4: $69,180

5: $71,748

6: $74,424

7 or More: $77,076

Principal Investigator: Chao Ma, PhD

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Cancer Sciences

Lab Research Topics:

• Organ-on-a-Chip, Microfluidics, Microphysiological system

• Hematopoietic Biology and Hematological malignancies

• Disease Modeling and Cancer Bioengineering

• Stem cell Biology, Synthetic Biology, Systems biology, Spatial Omics

• Biomedical/Mechanical/Tissue Engineering, 3D Printing

For more information about the lab's research, please visit: https://www.lerner.ccf.org/immunotherapy/ma/ or contact Dr. Ma at [email protected]

Responsibilities:

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation and manuscript preparation

• Publish research articles in high-impact journals and present research results in national and international scientific meetings.

• Contribute to project development and collaboration, grant writing, progress reports, and papers.

• Contribute to lab management, protocol development and maintenance, and mentoring of junior trainees.

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:

• Excellent writing and communication skills, able to work independently and effectively with other members in a productive team.

• Strong research expertise in molecular, cellular, or tissue engineering are preferred.

• Strong research expertise in immunology, immune-oncology, or immune-engineering are preferred.

• Strong research expertise in culture of stem cell or organoid are preferred.

• Strong training background in biomedical engineering, microfabrication, bioprinting, lab-on-a-chip and microfluidics are preferred.

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:

• A cover letter summarizing past research experience and accomplishments

• Current and future research interests

• Career goals (2-page maximum)

• Current CV with publications

• Contact information of three references

All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Chao Ma at [email protected]

Keywords: Postdoc, Research, Cleveland Clinic Research, Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cell therapy and immune-engineering program (CTIP), Biomedical engineering, Cancer Bioengineering, Disease Modeling, Immunotherapy, Microfluidics, Organ-on-a-Chip/Lab-on-a-Chip, Pluripotent stem cell, CAR T-cell therapy

Pay Range

Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00

Maximum Annual Salary: $95,000.00

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.).

Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities