Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Sneha Ramakrishna

Posted on Fri, 02/27/2026 - 12:13

Important Info

Faculty Sponsor First name: 
Sneha
Faculty Sponsor Last Name: 
Ramakrishna
Stanford Departments and Centers: 
Pediatrics, Hematology Oncology Stem Cell Tranplantation and Regenerative Medicine
Postdoc Appointment Term: 
TBD
Appointment Start Date: 
TBD (estimated Spring/Summer 2026)
How to Submit Application Materials: 

Interested applicants should submit by email, a curriculum vita and letter of interest to Sneha Ramakrishna, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine. Email: ramakrs@stanford.edu.

Does this position pay above the required minimum?: 
No. The expected base pay for this position is the Stanford University required minimum for all postdoctoral scholars appointed through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The FY25 minimum is $76,383.

The Ramakrishna Lab is excited to offer a postdoctoral fellow position with a focus on optimizing pediatric chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for pediatric solid tumors.

The Ramakrishna laboratory focuses on optimizing CAR T-cell therapies for children with cancer by learning about the biology of these CAR T-cells in patients. The lab analyzes multi-parametric datasets of single cell proteomics (flow cytometry/CyTEK/CyTOF), single cell transcriptomics (single-cell RNA-sequencing), cytokine, and patient response data from patients treated with cellular immunotherapies in clinical trials. Utilizing this knowledge, we validate novel manipulatable biomarkers to optimize CAR T-cell activity for patients. Once identified, the lab explores the biologicacl implications of these biomarkers on CAR T-cell function and develops novel CAR T-cell treatment approaches using cloning, CRISPR-screening, and combinatorial approaches. CAR T-cell function is assessed in vitro with cytokine (ELISA) and killing (Incucyte) assays and in vivo using xenograft mouse models. Using this approach, the lab develops novel platforms to optimize CAR T-cell activity with the goal of translating back to the clinic.

This position will provide the candidate with the opportunity to lead interdisciplinary research projects focused on identifying novel approaches to optimize CAR T-cell function for children with cancer. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a strong background in immunology and/or cellular biology. The successful candidate will conduct projects focused on developing and evaluating novel CAR T-cell constructs to address limitations to CAR T-cell function identified in patients. The goal of the projects will be to optimize CAR T-cell function in the context of pediatric solid tumors.

Required Qualifications: 
  • This position is for a candidate with a PhD or MD/PhD with wet lab experience, including cell culture and mouse modeling experience.
  • Previous expertise in immunology and cellular therapy assessment is desired.
  • Some computational experience would be helpful, but is not required.
  • The candidate is expected to have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Self-initiative and motivation, excellent communication, teamwork, data processing, written and oral presentation and problem-solving skills are desired.
  • English proficiency is required.
  • This work is highly collaborative within the larger environment of the Stanford Cancer Cellular Therapy Team, and so the candidate is expected to engage in team science, working with other post-docs, technicians, students, and collaborating scientists.
Required Application Materials: 
  • A curriculum vita
  • A letter of interest

 

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.