CIMR-Open Positions for Research Assistants in Wang Lab

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Open Positions for Research Assistants in Wang Lab

Date：2026-05-18

Laboratory Introduction

The Wang Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant. We invite passionate young scientists to join our team! Our laboratory studies the functions and therapeutic potential of NRs in antiviral immunity and cancer therapy. We focus on the transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms by which NRs regulate innate immune activation, viral replication, immune evasion, and tumor immune microenvironment remodeling. By integrating CRISPR screening, multi-omics, synthetic biology, and small-molecule discovery, we aim to identify actionable NR targets and develop mechanism-based combination strategies for antiviral and anticancer treatment.

Principal Investigator Bio

Dr. Yutao Wang earned his Bachelor's degree from Lanzhou University and his Ph.D. from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. In June 2025, he joined CIMR as an Assistant Investigator. Dr. Wang has served as the lead investigator for projects funded by the NSFC Young Scientist Program and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. He has published five papers as first or co-first author in prestigious international journals, including Immunity (two papers), Molecular Cell, Hepatology, and Cell Metabolism, which have garnered widespread recognition and citations (>1200). He currently serves as a Young Editorial Board Member for Rheumatology and Autoimmunity.

Lab Website: https://immunology.cimrbj.ac.cn/channel/1957120957894234111.html

Key Research Directions

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of 48 ligand-activated transcription factors that serve as central integrators of metabolic and immune signaling. They play critical roles in development, immune cell differentiation and homeostasis, and in metabolic diseases and cancer. Despite their importance and strong druggability, the functions of many NR family members remain poorly understood. Notably, approximately 16% of FDA-approved small-molecule drugs target NRs. Our laboratory studies the functions and therapeutic potential of NRs in antiviral immunity and cancer therapy.

1) Antiviral Innate Immunity

We investigate how NRs regulate virus-induced innate immune responses, with particular emphasis on the cGAS-STING pathway, the RIG-I-MAVS pathway, and inflammasome signaling. Key questions include:

· How do NRs regulate type I interferon responses and inflammasome activation through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms?

· Do NRs reprogram host metabolism to regulate antiviral immune activation, viral replication, and immune evasion in immune cells and tumor cells?

· Do NRs undergo liquid-liquid phase separation to form dynamic condensates that organize antiviral signaling in space and time, thereby fine-tuning host defense and viral immune evasion?

· Can small molecules that modulate NRs activity or phase-separation behavior serve as therapeutic strategies for antiviral treatment or for enhancing the efficacy of oncolytic viruses?

2) Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the central nervous system and carries a dismal prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate below 5%. Although surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains the standard of care, tumor recurrence, therapeutic resistance, and a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment continue to limit the benefits of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Using GBM as a major disease model, we investigate the roles of nuclear receptors in radiotherapy sensitivity, immunotherapy response, and oncolytic HSV-1 (oHSV-1) therapy. Key questions include:

· How do NRs regulate innate immune signaling to shape GBM radiosensitivity?

· How do NRs control the differentiation and function of immunosuppressive cells, including MDSCs and Tregs, to drive resistance to immune checkpoint blockade?

· How do NRs regulate oHSV-1 infection, viral replication, and immunogenic cell deathin tumor cells?

· Can small-molecule NR modulators enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy oroncolytic virotherapy in GBM treatment?

Selected Publications

Wang YT, et al. (2024). Immunity. PMID: 39571575

Wang YT, et al. (2020). Hepatology. PMID: 31222801

Wang YT, et al. (2017). Immunity. PMID: 28314590

Ji X, Wang YT, et al. (2021). Cell Metabolism. PMID: 33951476

Ning X, Wang YT, et al. (2019). Molecular Cell. PMID: 30878284

Open position: Research Assistant

Main Responsibilities:

a. Participate in the daily operation and management of the laboratory.

b. Engage in research projects within the lab.

Qualifications:

a. A Master's degree or higher in Immunology, Oncology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a related field.

b. Knowledge of standard laboratory techniques such as molecular cloning, protein purification, and cell culture. Prior research experience is preferred.

c. Candidates planning to pursue a Ph.D. in the future are strongly encouraged to apply.

d. A strong sense of responsibility, excellent teamwork skills, and a passion for innovation and challenges.

Welfare Treatment

a. Competitive salary based on the applicant's work experience and ability (salary negotiable).

b. Social insurance and housing fund, supplementary medical insurance, physical examination and paid annual leave.

c. Opportunities for career development and available professional guidance.

How to apply

Please submit your application materials as a single PDF file to wangyutao@cimrbj.ac.cn. The PDF should include:

· Your CV

· A one-page personal statement

· Any other materials you deem necessary

Please indicate in the email subject line: "Research Assistant Application – [Your Name] – [Your Current Institution/University]"

Candidates will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis.

Contact Person: Dr. Wang

This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.