Postdoctoral Scholar - Fujita Lab

Postdoctoral Scholar – IL-37 Biology and Translational Immunology, UC San Diego

The Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the laboratory of Dr. Mayumi Fujita, relocated to the UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (ACTRI). Our research focuses on IL-37-mediated immune regulation, including its intracellular and extracellular functions in regulatory T (Treg) cells, dendritic cells, immune tolerance, tumor immunology, and skin biology.

We seek a motivated early-career scientist to advance ongoing IL-37 projects toward manuscript publication and develop new mechanistic and translational research directions, including potential therapeutic applications. This position offers opportunities to build an independent research profile, contribute to NIH-, VA-, and foundation-funded projects, and participate in the development of innovative immunotherapies.

Research Areas

• IL-37 protein biology, structure-function relationships, and therapeutic applications
• Treg stability, metabolism, and epigenetic regulation
• Modulation of dendritic cell function by IL-37
• Tumor immunology and regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME)
• Intracellular and extracellular functions of IL-37 across immune-cell populations

Key Responsibilities

• Develop hypotheses, design and troubleshoot experiments, and independently interpret experimental data.
• Advance ongoing IL-37 research projects toward manuscript submission and publication.
• Investigate the intracellular and extracellular functions of IL-37 in immune-cell populations,particularly Treg cells and dendritic cells.
• Collaborate with other scientists on mechanistic and translational studies, potentially including protein structure–function analyses and therapeutic development.
• Help mentor junior laboratory members and effectively communicate research findings and project progress.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field.
• Research experience in T-cell biology or tumor immunology is preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Demonstrated experience taking substantial responsibility for a research project.

Salary and Benefits

Annual salary: $71,491–$85,736, depending on postdoctoral research experience, in accordance with the UC San Diego Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale effective October 1, 2026.

For more information, please visit:

https://postdoc.ucsd.edu/postdocs/appointment-guidelines.html

For questions about the position, please contact:

• Julian Curatolo, BS

Lab Manager, Fujita Lab, UC San Diego

• Mayumi Fujita, MD, PhD

Professor of Dermatology, UC San Diego

The job posting is shared on behalf of the University of California, San Diego, in the laboratory of Dr. Mayumi Fujita. All hiring decisions will be made by Dr. Mayumi Fujita and the University's HR office.