Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

This is a two-year post-doctoral appointment (with possible renewal) is available to join the Cancer Biology group led by Dr. Vivekanand Yadav’s lab at CMRI to provide advance research training to individuals with a doctoral degree in the biological sciences and to further the basic and translational research goals in the Children's Research.

Dr. Yadav's research focused on unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pediatric high-grade Gliomas and their treatment responses, especially in uncovering resistance mechanisms through high-throughput drug screening. The investigation employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating molecular biology, immunology, and animal models. The primary objective of this project is to understudy the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on CAR T cell effector function in pediatric high-grade glioma using a unique IUE genetically engineered immunocompetent mouse model.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with in vivo mouse models, including tumor implantation and therapeutic studies, and demonstrated proficiency in flow cytometry for multicolor immune phenotyping and functional analysis of T cell activation and exhaustion. Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques such as cell culture, CRISPR gene editing, lentiviral transduction, Western blotting, and qPCR is expected. Familiarity with tumor microenvironment (TME) biology, CAR T cell assays, or immunotherapy models is highly desirable

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

-Conducting original laboratory research in the general areas of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, and neuroscience Analysis of research data
- Reporting of research results

-Collaborate with a diverse research team, including undergraduate and graduate trainees and research staff.

-Design experiments, collect data, analyze results, and interpret findings. Conduct in vivo mouse experiments.

-Prepare manuscripts for publication.

-Provide training and mentorship to junior researchers.
-Attending/participating in mandatory educational programs, section meetings, scholarly conferences and professor rounds.

-Ph.D. or MD or related doctoral level degree in a relevant discipline and 1-2 years experiencein Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical field, with a strong background in immunology and T cell biology and experience studying immune–tumor interactions or immunotherapy. 

Desired Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in murine models of brain cancer disease and/or conducting in vivo tumor studies. Familiarity with tumor microenvironment (TME) biology, CAR T cell assays, or immunotherapy models is highly desirable.

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $28.39/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.