Biomaterials & Immunotherapy Lab
Research Field
Wen-Yu Pan is a faculty member in the School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology at Taipei Medical University. She received her Ph.D. training in cancer immunotherapy at Academia Sinica and subsequently completed her postdoctoral training in biomaterials at National Tsing Hua University. Her research focuses on engineering functional nanomaterials and hydrogel-based platforms to modulate immune responses, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Wen-Yu Pan’s lab focuses on using biomaterials to study and control immune responses, with a particular emphasis on antigen-specific immunity. We work with nanomaterials and hydrogels to modulate immune cell activation and to influence how antigen-related immune processes develop. Our goal is to create material-based strategies that advance our understanding of immune regulation and support the development of next-generation therapeutic approaches.
Vaccine design
Delivery of immunomodulatory agents
Hydrogel systems for immune modulation
N/A
Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine Program (TIGP), Academia Sinica, Taiwan, in collaboration with the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming University, Taiwan
M.S., Department of Medical Technology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
B.S., Department of Medical Technology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Job Description
The intern will be integrated into a multidisciplinary research environment focusing on engineering immune responses using biomaterial-based systems. Key responsibilities and learning objectives include:
- Nanocarrier and Hydrogel Fabrication: Learning the design, synthesis, and optimization of functional biomaterial scaffolds (such as nanoparticle or hydrogel systems) developed for vaccine delivery.
- Physicochemical Characterization: Performing hands-on analysis using instruments—including DLS, zeta potential, UV-Vis, TEM, and SEM—to evaluate the morphology, stability, and quality of the developed platforms.
- Immune Cell Culture and Assays: Conducting immune cell culture, specifically focusing on dendritic cell culture and activation to study how biomaterials influence immune cell responses and modulate immune function, including cellular uptake and activation markers.
- Data Management and Statistical Reporting: Systematically recording experimental parameters, performing statistical analysis, and learning to document and present research findings in a professional format. By the end of the internship, the intern is expected to integrate biomaterial design and basic immunological assays to evaluate how material properties influence immune responses.
- Scientific Communication: Participating in academic exchange by reviewing and discussing literature on how biomaterials are designed to modulate immune responses and cellular behavior. The intern will receive structured guidance and regular feedback throughout the training to ensure steady progress and skill development.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Undergraduate or Master’s students
Skill sets or Qualities
- Academic Background: A background in Life Sciences / Biomedicine / Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering. Completion of coursework in Immunology or Microbiology is preferred.
- Basic Laboratory Techniques: Prior experience in aseptic techniques and cell culture is preferred.
- Analytical & Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability in critical thinking, data interpretation, and English communication, with the capability for collaborative teamwork in a research setting.