Laboratory Introduction
Dr. Yutao Wang's laboratory is dedicated to advancing research in infection immunity and tumor immunology. The lab focuses on elucidating the functions and translational potential of all 48 members of the nuclear receptor (NR) family in the context of antiviral infection and tumor therapy. We systematically dissect both transcriptional and non-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, aiming to uncover their critical roles in innate immune activation, viral replication and immune evasion, as well as the establishment and remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. To this end, the lab employs cutting-edge approaches including CRISPR screening, multi-omics, synthetic biology, and small-molecule compound screening, with the goal of identifying druggable targets and developing mechanism-driven combination strategies to enhance the overall efficacy of antiviral and antitumor therapies.
Principal Investigator Bio
Dr. Yutao Wang earned his Bachelor's degree from Lanzhou University and his Ph.D. from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. In June 2025, he joined CIMR as a Principal Investigator. Dr. Wang has served as the lead investigator for projects funded by the NSFC Young Scientist Program and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities. He has published five papers as first or co-first author in prestigious international journals, including Immunity (two papers), Molecular Cell, Hepatology, and Cell Metabolism, which have garnered widespread recognition and citations (>1200). He currently serves as a Young Editorial Board Member for Rheumatology and Autoimmunity.
Key Research Directions
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of 48 ligand-activated transcription factors that serve as central integrators of metabolic and immune signaling. They play critical roles in development, immune cell differentiation and homeostasis, and in metabolic diseases and cancer. Despite their importance and strong druggability, the functions of many NR family members remain poorly understood. Notably, approximately 16% of FDA-approved small-molecule drugs target NRs. Our laboratory studies the functions and therapeutic potential of NRs in antiviral immunity and cancer therapy.
1) Elucidate the roles of NRs in antiviral innate immunity, with a particular focus on the cGAS–STING, RIG-I–MAVS, and inflammasome pathways.
2) Define the mechanisms by which NRs regulate viral replication and immune evasion.
3) Determine how NRs regulate tumor radio-chemotherapy resistance, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment formation, and responses to immunotherapy.
Selected Publications
Wang YT, et al. (2024). Immunity. PMID: 39571575
Wang YT, et al. (2020). Hepatology. PMID: 31222801
Wang YT, et al. (2017). Immunity. PMID: 28314590
Ji X, Wang YT, et al. (2021). Cell Metabolism. PMID: 33951476
Ning X, Wang YT, et al. (2019). Molecular Cell. PMID: 30878284
Open Positions: Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Assistant Investigator
a. Participate in the lab's research projects, independently or collaboratively undertaking corresponding research tasks.
b. Assist the PI in supervising graduate students, writing grant proposals, and applying for research funding.
Qualifications
a. Ph.D. in immunology, oncology, molecular biology, or related fields (obtained or near completion within 3 years). Background in metabolic regulation or antiviral innate immunity preferred.
b. Solid skills in molecular/cellular biology (e.g., cell culture, gene editing, flow cytometry). Experience with mouse models or bioinformatics (multi-omics) a plus.
c. First-author publication(s) in mainstream journals. Able to conduct independent research with strong motivation and rigor.
d. Responsible, team player, and basic English communication/writing skills required.
Welfare Treatment
a. Competitive salary based on the applicant's work experience and ability (salary negotiable).
b. Social insurance and housing fund, supplementary medical insurance, physical examination and paid annual leave.
c. Opportunities for career development and available professional guidance.
How to apply
Please submit your application materials as a single PDF file to wangyutao@cimrbj.ac.cn. The PDF should include:
· Your CV
· A one-page personal statement
· Any other materials you deem necessary
Please put "Postdoc/Research Assistant Investigator Application – [Your Name] – [Your Current Institution/University]" as your email subject and arrange two or more letters of reference sent directly to the same email address.
Candidates will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis.
Contact Person: Dr. Wang
This recruitment is valid for the long term until a suitable candidate is recruited.
10 Xitoutiao, Youanmen Wai, Fengtai District, Beijing 100069, China
010-86738999
cimr@cimrbj.ac.cn
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