A cancer research laboratory under Dr. Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco within the Hollings Cancer Center and the Darby Children’s Research Institute has an opening for a postdoctoral position. This lab utilizes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, including genetic mouse models and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts, to investigate the intracellular drivers of pediatric brain tumor growth. The primary research focus is on elucidating the signaling mechanisms that contribute to the relapse of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor.
A cancer research laboratory under Dr. Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco within the Hollings Cancer Center and the Darby Children’s Research Institute has an opening for a postdoctoral position. This lab utilizes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, including genetic mouse models and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts, to investigate the intracellular drivers of pediatric brain tumor growth. The primary research focus is on elucidating the signaling mechanisms that contribute to the relapse of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor.
The research will employ a range of complementary techniques in cellular and molecular biology, including immunoblotting, RT-qPCR, immunoprecipitation, ChIP-PCR, IHC and IF imaging, flow cytometry, as well as bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and functional cell-based assays.
The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and hold a recent Ph.D. in cancer biology, neurosciences, or a related field, with a strong background in molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry. While experience with mouse genetic models and survival surgeries, including brain tumor implants, is preferred, it is not mandatory. Familiarity with CRISPR screening and bioinformatics analyses is also considered an advantage.
Candidate should send CV directly to Dr. Jezabel R Blanco by email (rblanco@musc.edu).
30% - Experimental Design and Execution: Work collaboratively with the PI and other lab members to design and execute experiments using advanced mouse genetic models and cell-based studies to identify drivers of medulloblastoma growth and relapse. Responsibilities include genotyping genetically-engineered mice, maintaining animal colonies, conducting in vivo experiments such as treatment studies and orthotopic/subcutaneous tumor cell implantation, monitoring disease progression and tumor growth, performing necropsies on experimental mice, and conducting in vitro studies, including preparing cells from these models. Lab techniques involve cell culture, molecular and cellular biology assays (e.g., cell viability, IF, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, PCR, qPCR, reporter assays, IHC, ChIP-PCR), and functional genomic assessments of gene expression and transcription factor binding to target genes, including single-cell RNA sequencing, standard RNA sequencing, and ChIP sequencing. Additional tasks include recombinant DNA work and lentiviral production for cell transfection and transduction experiments. - (Essential)
30% - Data Collection and Analysis: Support data collection and analysis from experiments, including maintaining accurate and detailed records on a daily basis, identifying and utilizing appropriate software for data analysis, collaborating with the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to ensure data quality, interpreting results, and planning new experiments. These responsibilities are essential. - (Essential)
30% - Manuscript and Grant Preparation: Contribute to manuscript and grant preparation based on experimental findings. Responsibilities include keeping current with relevant literature, preparing data figures, drafting manuscripts and grant sections alongside the PI and other team members, presenting ongoing research in seminars, attending departmental seminars, and participating in journal clubs. - (Essential)
10% - Laboratory Maintenance and Compliance: Assist with laboratory upkeep and regulatory compliance, including ordering supplies, maintaining stock of experimental reagents and solutions, ensuring equipment functionality, preparing IACUC protocols and amendments as needed, washing glassware, and ensuring overall lab cleanliness. - (Essential)
Required Minimum Education and Experience: The candidate should hold a recent Ph.D. in Neurosciences, Cancer Biology, or a related field, with strong skills in molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry. Experience working with mouse genetic models is desirable but not required. Additional experience with CRISPR screens and bioinformatic analyses is advantageous.
Must have previous experience in a laboratory.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong organizational, record-keeping, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential. The candidate must be able to perform complex calculations, follow detailed experimental procedures and protocols, and develop independence in handling tasks and conducting experiments. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in animal husbandry, mouse surgeries, and colony management. Prior experience in PCR, recombinant DNA techniques, RNA, and protein analysis is required. Availability to work occasionally on weekends, holidays, or evenings may be necessary.
Payscale Salary Range:
UNIV-Band 5: $33,494.00 - $47,734.00 - $61,975.00 (min - mid - max)
Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.
