Research Program OverviewDr. Auer is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Ottawa and the Director of Cancer Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). She is a CIHR-funded surgeon-scientist investigating the underlying mechanisms of immune dysfunction observed in all patients following surgical removal of their cancer. Using a combination of patient-derived blood specimens and murine models, this team has been able to leverage unbiased small molecule functional screens and single cell RNA sequencing to identify novel targets for potential therapeutic intervention. A number of these targets are currently being assessed for clinical translation with strategic academic and industry partnerships. Having undertaken 4 clinical trials based on preclinical findings from the lab, Dr. Auer has a proven ability to translate findings from the bench to the bedside and is committed to improving outcomes for cancer patients. Dr. Auer leads a lab that includes a veterinary technician, a PhD immunologist as a Research Associate, 3 PhD students and 3 MSc students.

PhD degree, granted no more than 5 years ago prior to the projects start dateExperience mentoring students and/or junior research staffStrong desire to move therapies from the lab to the patient through translational clinical trials