Harnessing the power of the endogenous immune system has emerged as a powerful strategy for disease prevention and treatment, spanning traditional vaccines to modern cancer immunotherapies. The Yousefpour Lab focuses on developing next-generation RNA- and protein-based vaccines and immunotherapies by integrating synthetic biology, protein engineering, and biomaterial science.

We have multiple positions available. Students will contribute to the design and development of RNA-and protein-based vaccines, including optimizing RNA sequences, studying immune response mechanisms, and exploring innovative vaccine formulations. The projects will also involve broader work on RNA-based therapeutics, such as engineering synthetic biology platforms and biomolecular drug delivery strategies. Through these projects, students will gain hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, in vitro cell culture, and characterization assays. Those who commit to a longer-term involvement will be encouraged to pursue an independent aspect of the project. If desired, students can also receive mentorship on post-graduate plans. Students are also expected to contribute to general lab maintenance and help with shared lab responsibilities as needed.