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 a Principal 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.

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) Elucidate the roles of NRs in antiviral innate immunity, with a particular focus on the cGAS–STING, RIG-I–MAVS, and inflammasome pathways.

2) Define the mechanisms by which NRs regulate viral replication and immune evasion.

3) Determine how NRs regulate tumor radio-chemotherapy resistance, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment formation, and responses to immunotherapy.

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

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.

Contact Person: Dr. Wang

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