罗格斯大学招收博后 Interdisciplinary Research Opportunity – AI + Immunology

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunity – AI + Immunology (CAR-T/NK Cell Synapse Analysis)
Dear students and colleagues,
My name is Dongfang Liu, Ph.D., and I am a Professor in the Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) and the School of Graduate Studies. I also serve as a scientific director of Scientific Director, Cellular Imaging & Histology Core, Rutgers-NJMS.
In collaboration with Prof. Ruixiang Tang from the Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University, together, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow, part-time research assistant, or summer intern with a background in computer science, data science, or quantitative image analysis to participate in NIH-funded translational immunology projects at the intersection of AI and immunotherapy.
Research Focus
Our joint research integrates computational AI modeling with immunobiology to investigate the immunological synapse of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T and CAR Natural Killer (NK) cells, as well as other types of immunotherapies (e.g., immune checkpoint blockades [ICB], Bispecific T-cell Engager [BITE], Cancer Vaccines, Cytokines, oncolytic viruses, monoclonal antibodies [mAbs], etc.).
Key projects include:
- Quantifying the CAR-T immunological synapse (https://www.cell.com/molecular-t...25-0016(18)30027-3)
- Developing predictive models using Python, deep learning, or large vision-language models (LVLMs)
- Quantitative 3D image data analysis and visualization
- Building user-friendly analytical interfaces for immunological data
- Assisting in scientific manuscript preparation
About the Collaborating Labs
The Liu Laboratory (https://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/labs/dongfang/ ):
Focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing human T and NK cell biology, dysfunction in cancer and chronic infections, and the design of next-generation immunotherapies. We use advanced molecular, imaging, and biophysical tools to study immune cell synapses and translational immunotherapy models.
The Tang Laboratory (https://www.ruixiangtang.net/):
Led by Prof. Ruixiang Tang, an expert in trustworthy and explainable AI for healthcare. His research advances:
- Responsible AI through privacy-preserving and interpretable machine learning
- Large Language and Vision-Language Models (LLMs/LVLMs) for clinical data and biomedical imaging
- Synthetic data generation to overcome data scarcity and protect patient privacy
- Multimodal AI frameworks for analyzing immunological synapses in CAR-T therapy

Together, our interdisciplinary collaboration bridges immunology and AI to develop quantitative biomarkers and predictive tools for improving cell-based immunotherapies.
Position Details
Postdoctoral Position: Please contact Dr. Liu via email for further details.
Part-time RA/ Summer Intern:
- Commitment: 4–10 hours per week (flexible schedule; remote work possible)
- Meetings: Biweekly or monthly on-site at Rutgers Newark campus
- Compensation: Commensurate with experience ($25–200/hour)
- Start Date: Flexible (open immediately)

This position offers hands-on training at the crossroads of AI and translational immunology, with opportunities for co-authorship, data-driven innovation, and cross-disciplinary mentorship.
How to Apply
Please visit: http://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/labs/dongfang

Interested applicants should email dongfang.liu@rutgers.edu with:
- CV
- Brief statement of interest (1 paragraph)

We will schedule an initial meeting to discuss project options and potential thesis or research alignments.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with students or colleagues who may be interested.
Warm regards,

Dongfang Liu, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School