Interdisciplinary Research Opportunity – AI + Immunology

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am Dongfang Liu, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Pathology, Immunology & Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Center for Immunity and Inflammation, and the School of Graduate Studies. I also serve as Scientific Director of the Cellular Imaging & Histology Core at Rutgers-NJMS.


In collaboration with Prof. Ruixiang Tang (Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University), we are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our NIH-funded translational research program at the interface of Artificial Intelligence and Immunotherapy.

We welcome applications from:

•        Postdoctoral Fellows (AI, Immunology, or Biomedical Engineering)

•        Master’s Students (Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science)

•        Undergraduate Research Assistants (part-time)

•        Summer Interns


Research Focus

Our interdisciplinary collaboration integrates computational AI modeling with immunobiology to investigate the immunological synapse of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, as well as other immunotherapies including:

•        Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)

•        Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs)

•        Cytokine-based therapies

•        Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)


Key Research Directions

•        AI-based quantification of CAR-T immunological synapse quality

(e.g., PMID: 29503199; 35303007; 32843053)

•        Development of predictive models using Python, deep learning, and large vision-language models (LVLMs)

•        High-throughput 3D image analysis and quantitative visualization

•        Multimodal AI integration (imaging + transcriptomics + functional assays)

•        Building user-friendly analytical platforms for translational immunology

•        High-throughput synapse acquisition using IN Cell Analyzer 6500HS, confocal, and TIRF microscopy

•        Scientific manuscript preparation and co-authorship opportunities


About the Collaborating Labs

The Liu Laboratory

https://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/labs/dongfang/

Focus:

•        T and NK cell biology in cancer and chronic infection

•        Mechanisms of immune dysfunction

•        Design of next-generation CAR-NK therapies

•        Quantitative immunological synapse imaging and translational models

We combine advanced molecular biology, high-resolution imaging, and functional immunology to develop clinically relevant immunotherapies.


The Tang Laboratory (Computer Science, Rutgers)

Led by Prof. Ruixiang Tang, specializing in trustworthy and explainable AI for healthcare.

Research areas include:

•        Responsible and privacy-preserving AI

•        Interpretable machine learning for biomedical applications

•        Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision-Language Models (LVLMs)

•        Synthetic data generation for healthcare

•        Multimodal AI frameworks for biomedical imaging and immunotherapy

Why Join This Project?

This program offers hands-on training at the intersection of AI, quantitative imaging, and translational immunotherapy. Participants will gain:

•        Cross-disciplinary mentorship (Immunology + Computer Science)

•        Exposure to NIH-funded translational research

•        Opportunities for co-authorship and conference presentations

•        Experience working with high-throughput imaging platforms

•        Training in clinically relevant biomarker development

This is an ideal opportunity for trainees interested in AI for healthcare, precision immunotherapy, or translational biomedical research.

Position Details

•        Commitment: 4–10 hours/week (flexible)

•        Hybrid model; some remote work possible

•        In-person meetings: biweekly or monthly (Rutgers Newark campus)

•        Compensation: Commensurate with experience

•        Start Date: Immediate / Flexible

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email dongfang.liu@rutgers.edu with:

• CV
  
• Names and contact information of three referees
  
• Brief statement of research interests
  
  Lab website:
  
  http://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/labs/dongfang
  
  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