Job Description

Faculty Sponsor First name: 

Alma-Martina

Faculty Sponsor Last Name: 

Cepika

Stanford Departments and Centers: 

Surgery, General Surgery

Postdoc Appointment Term: 

1 year

Appointment Start Date: 

June 1st, 2026

Group or Departmental Website: 

https://cepikalab.figma.site/ (link is external)

How to Submit Application Materials: 

To apply, please submit the required application materials to Ms. Kristha Fernandez (kristhaf AT stanford  DOT edu), Administrative Associate of Dr. Alma-Martina Cepika.

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 FY27 minimum is $79, 056.

Cepika Lab (Surgical Science Section, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery) is seeking a productive, organized, and self-driven postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in immunology, experience with in vivo models, and an interest in translational research. The successful candidate will join the Section of Surgical Sciences in the Division of General Surgery, and work on a project aimed to understand the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and developing gene editing therapies for IBD. The role will include working with IBD patient-derived organoids, advancing human in vitro assays to study innate and adaptive immune mechanisms (including Th17 biology) in IBD, and conducting proof-of-concept studies in humanized mouse models. Candidate will also work collaboratively with industry partners, hone their leadership, communication, and funding acquisition skills, and join the vibrant Immunology community at Stanford. Training will be designed to equip the fellow with foundational skills and establish the scientific track record required for success, either in academia or biopharmaceutical industry.

Responsibilities: 

• Design and conduct experiments; generate, analyze, and interpret data to advance the understanding of IBD pathogenesis     
• Perform ex vivo and in vitro studies using human intestinal tissue and peripheral blood-derived epithelial and immune cells from IBD patient and controls
• Perform in vivo studies in humanized mouse models
• Utilize advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing and prime/base editing on human primary cells and HSCs, and in patient-derived organoids, and conduct Th17 cell polarization and functional assays         
• Collaborate with industry partners to advance new gene editing therapies for IBD
• Present research findings in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and conferences; prepare manuscripts, patent and fellowship applications, and contribute to PI-led grant applications     
• Keep up to date with scientific advances, mentor junior trainees, and help coordinate projects
• Apply advanced delivery systems for gene editing (e.g. lipid nanoparticle) 

Skills Developed: 

• Immunology: cutting-edge methods in human cellular immunology, innate immunity, T cell biology, multi-color flow cytometry, and organoid research
• Functional genomics: CRISPR/Cas9, prime editing, and base editing to manipulate immune and non-immune cells in vitro and in vivo
• Translational research: testing gene editing approaches and delivery systems in vitro in human cells and organoids, and in vivo in pre-clinical models to treat IBD
• Science communication: improve oral presentation skills, scientific writing, and funding acquisition through active participation in seminars and workshops and competing for fellowships

Leadership: gain experience in project management, mentoring junior team members, and fostering collaborative research with academic and industry partners.

Required Qualifications: 

• The post-doctoral fellow candidate is required to have obtained an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD in area of immunology, cell biology, or molecular biology.

Preferred qualifications:  

• Research experience in immunology, murine models, primary mammalian cell culture, multi-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, gene editing, PCR, Sanger sequencing
• Track-record of first-author publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated self-initiative and motivation, ability to collaborate, organize parallel experimental workflows, and interpret and present data in writing and in person in a clear and effective manner

Required Application Materials: 

1. Updated curriculum vitae (CV)

2. Cover letter that contains a summary of past research experience, career goals, and future research interests (1-2 pages)

3. Contact information for three references (references will not be contacted without candidate’s approval)