Postdoctoral Position in Autoimmune Disease & Epigenetics

Laboratory of Dr. Jaehyuk Choi

Co-founder, Moonlight Bio

Director, Center for Cell Therapy and Cancer Immunology

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Vice Chair of Innovation and Translation

Department of Dermatology

University of Texas Southwestern

Dallas, Texas

Position Overview

The Choi Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher to investigate how environmental signals and epigenetic programs shape pathogenic T-cell responses in autoimmune disease. Our research combines functional immunology with genomic and epigenomic approaches to uncover the mechanisms that drive systemic lupus erythematosus and other immune-mediated diseases.

The successful candidate will work alongside experimental, computational, and clinical collaborators to identify disease-driving pathways and translate mechanistic discoveries into new immune-modulating therapies. Projects will span fundamental T-cell biology, chromatin regulation, functional genomics, and therapeutic discovery, with the long-term goal of advancing promising treatments toward first-in-human studies at UT Southwestern.

This position is particularly well suited for researchers seeking rigorous scientific training at the intersection of immunology, epigenetics, genomics, and translational medicine, with preparation for careers in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, or therapeutic development.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will investigate the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate immune-cell behavior, with particular emphasis on:

• Environmental and epigenetic regulation of pathogenic T-cell responses
• T-cell biology and immune regulation in systemic lupus erythematosus and related autoimmune diseases
• Chromatin dynamics and transcriptional regulation in immune cells
• Epigenetic mechanisms relevant to autoimmune disease and neurodegeneration
• Translation of mechanistic discoveries into new immune-modulating therapies

Why Join the Choi Laboratory at UT Southwestern?

Members of the Choi Laboratory work at the interface of mechanistic discovery and therapeutic development. The laboratory’s autoimmune research program investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenic T cells in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, using epigenetic approaches and functional screening to identify key transcriptional drivers and potential strategies for reprogramming harmful immune-cell states.

Through the Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology, researchers work within a multidisciplinary environment that brings together immunologists and cell, protein, genome, and chemical engineers to develop effective and safe immunotherapies for cancer, autoimmune disease, and other conditions. The Center is specifically focused on translating promising discoveries into therapies that can progress toward first-in-human studies at UT Southwestern and beyond.

UT Southwestern provides postdoctoral researchers with access to advanced shared research resources, structured training, career-development programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive benefits. Postdoctoral scholars can also participate in certificate programs, professional-development workshops, entrepreneurial resources, and individualized career advising.

Selected Recent Publications

Candidates are encouraged to review the laboratory’s recent publications to learn more about its scientific approach and ongoing areas of research.

2025

Journal of Clinical Investigation: Addiction of primary cutaneous γδ T cell lymphomas to JAK/STAT signaling

Journal of Clinical Investigation: Cellular profiling identifies targetable T cell phenotypes in lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome

2024

Nature: Naturally occurring T cell mutations enhance engineered T cell therapies

Nature: Interferon subverts an AHR-JUN axis to promote CXCL13+ T cells in lupus

Cancer Discovery: Preexisting Skin-Resident CD8 and γδ T-cell Circuits Mediate Immune Response in Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Predict Immunotherapy Efficacy

2023

Nature: PD-1 instructs a tumor-suppressive metabolic program that restricts glycolysis and restrains AP-1 activity in T cell lymphoma

Learn More

Explore the Choi Laboratory’s research, publications, and ongoing programs:

• Choi Laboratory website: Choi (Jaehyuk) Lab | UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
• Laboratory research overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMnKZ0bko0U
• Dr. Jaehyuk Choi Influuent: Jaehyuk Choi - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

How to Apply

Apply online at: https://apply.interfolio.com/191669

EEO Statement

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community.  As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran statu