Student Intern - Agudo Lab

Benefits

Additional Information

Sophia will be pursuing a Master's degree research internship in the Agudo Lab under the supervision of Dr. Getzler. Our lab's overarching question is: how do individual cells evade recognition and deletion by the immune response? In particular, we are interested in understanding how metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) evades the immune response during seeding. We have found that tumor cells exposed to the cytokine IFN-gamma have increased metastatic potential visa via escape from NK mediated immunity. Sophia's work will focus on understanding the specific mechanisms by which these tumor cells evade the immune response. She will first establish models of in vitro human and murine NK and tumor cell co-cultures. Second through CRISPRko, shRNAi, and small molecule inhibitor studies, determine what factors are essential for IFN-gamma treated cells to evade NK cells. Finally, she will investigate how changes in the cell death machinery such as apoptosis or ferroptosis pre-dispose IFN-gamma treated cells to evade NK mediated immunity. Combined this will not only address how exposure to IFN-gamma shapes tumor cell metastasis, but also teach Sophia cutting edge techniques in cellular tumor immunology. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals. Sophia will be pursuing a Master's degree research internship in the Agudo Lab under the supervision of Dr. Getzler. Our lab's overarching question is: how do individual cells evade recognition and deletion by the immune response? In particular, we are interested in understanding how metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) evades the immune response during seeding. We have found that tumor cells exposed to the cytokine IFN-gamma have increased metastatic potential visa via escape from NK mediated immunity. Sophia's work will focus on understanding the specific mechanisms by which these tumor cells evade the immune response. She will first establish models of in vitro human and murine NK and tumor cell co-cultures. Second through CRISPRko, shRNAi, and small molecule inhibitor studies, determine what factors are essential for IFN-gamma treated cells to evade NK cells. Finally, she will investigate how changes in the cell death machinery such as apoptosis or ferroptosis pre-dispose IFN-gamma treated cells to evade NK mediated immunity. Combined this will not only address how exposure to IFN-gamma shapes tumor cell metastasis, but also teach Sophia cutting edge techniques in cellular tumor immunology. At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. EEO Poster . Pay Transparency Statement The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications. For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). $41,200.00 - $49,600.00