Univ – Post Doctoral Fellow

Job Description Summary

Job Summary:
The laboratory of Dr. Sahin in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MUSC is currently recruiting a talented & motivated post-doctoral fellow in the field of immuno-oncology. The Sahin lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapeutics, drug resistance, and metastasis mainly in breast and kidney cancers (Cell Death Dis, 2024. doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06814-3, Cancer Research, 2024, doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2812, Nature Communications, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42736-y, Cell Death & Differentiation, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41418-023-01140-1). We are also interested in developing and pre-clinical testing of novel anti-cancer therapeutics that are easily translatable to clinics (Cell Chem. Biology, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.012). The major research theme of the Sahin lab is to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance/metastasis and target these resistance/metastasis-driving factors with either own developed compounds or available drugs to overcome resistance/block metastasis. Combining animal models with high-throughput transcriptomics/proteomics approaches, bioinformatics/modeling tools and clinical sample analyses, our dynamic group focuses on identifying novel targets overcoming resistance to state-of-art clinically approved or -tested drugs and preventing metastatic spread of breast cancer. Studies will use a range of complementary methods including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, single cell transcriptomics/proteomics, functional cell-based assays, and mouse genetic models. Our projects are funded by the grants from the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, The Department of Defense, Mary Kay Foundation and SmartState Program of South Carolina. Candidates with an experience in cellular and molecular immunology and T cell biology would be preferred. Ability to work with mouse models of cancer would be highly desirable. Successful post-doctoral research fellow would be expected to conduct high quality research, publishable in high impact journals. Fellows would also be encouraged to apply for independent postdoctoral grants.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Summary: 

The laboratory of Dr. Sahin in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MUSC is currently recruiting a talented & motivated post-doctoral fellow in the field of immuno-oncology. The Sahin lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapeutics, drug resistance, and metastasis mainly in breast and kidney cancers (Cell Death Dis, 2024. doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06814-3, Cancer Research, 2024, doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2812, Nature Communications, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42736-y, Cell Death & Differentiation, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41418-023-01140-1). We are also interested in developing and pre-clinical testing of novel anti-cancer therapeutics that are easily translatable to clinics (Cell Chem. Biology, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.012). The major research theme of the Sahin lab is to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance/metastasis and target these resistance/metastasis-driving factors with either own developed compounds or available drugs to overcome resistance/block metastasis. Combining animal models with high-throughput transcriptomics/proteomics approaches, bioinformatics/modeling tools and clinical sample analyses, our dynamic group focuses on identifying novel targets overcoming resistance to state-of-art clinically approved or -tested drugs and preventing metastatic spread of breast cancer. Studies will use a range of complementary methods including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, single cell transcriptomics/proteomics, functional cell-based assays, and mouse genetic models. Our projects are funded by the grants from the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, The Department of Defense, Mary Kay Foundation and SmartState Program of South Carolina. Candidates with an experience in cellular and molecular immunology and T cell biology would be preferred. Ability to work with mouse models of cancer would be highly desirable. Successful post-doctoral research fellow would be expected to conduct high quality research, publishable in high impact journals. Fellows would also be encouraged to apply for independent postdoctoral grants.

Job Purpose: Candidates should have a Ph.D./ MD in Immunology or a closely related field with a special focus on cancer biology. Candidates with prior experience in immunology, molecular biology, immunotherapy, tumor micro-environment, and cancer biology are highly desirable and encouraged to apply. This position will involve utilizing in vivo mouse tumor models to understand mechanisms of immunotherapy and resistance. Experience in techniques such as animal handling, drug administration, multispectral flow cytometry, cytometric bead array, TCR immune-sequencing, and cell-based bioassays is highly desired. Familiarity with handling large data sets to investigate immune pathways dysregulated in cancer and immunotherapy-resistant tumors is also desirable. The candidate must be proficient in oral and written English, be able to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed environment, have excellent organizational skills, and be able to analyze, interpret and communicate data in a logical and timely manner.
The position will be open until filled. Please attach your application materials such as cover letter, a CV, name and contact information of three references, and a summary of research experience describing past achievements, skills, and research interests.

Additional Knowledge, skill, ability preferred:

• The Postdoctoral appointee must have recently (within the last 3 years) been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.).

• Experience in cancer biology and/or immunotherapy development

• Experience in advanced molecular and cell biology techniques and animal handling/breeding

• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Term Length: 1 year with option to renew Requested Appointment Date

• Contract Type: 12-month with the option to extend for subsequent year(s) upon satisfactory performance

Job Duties -List job duties and provide the percentage based on that breakdown. Must Equal 100%

30%- Collaborates with the PI and other lab members involved to design and executes experiments using state-of-the-art biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and human cells to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance/metastasis and target these resistance/metastasis-driving factors with either own developed compounds or available drugs to overcome resistance/block metastasis. These duties include cell culture, western blotting, immunoprecipitation to dissect the mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance as well as metastasis, clonogenic assays, molecular and functional experiments.

30%- Conduct in vivo experiments to test anti-cancer agents with respect to their effects on tumor growth, metastasis, body weight changes, blood counts and histology.

25%- Collaborates in preparing manuscripts and grants based on the experimental data generated. Duties include keeping current with the literature, preparing figures based on data collected, writing manuscripts and sections of grants with the PI and senior team members, presenting current work in research in progress seminars, attending departmental seminars and participating in journal clubs.

10%- Helps with laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, e.g. ordering, cleanup of lab areas, maintenance of equipment, helping to prepare IACUC/IBC protocols and amendments when appropriate Collaborates in collecting and analyzing data generated from the experiments and Duties include keeping accurate records on a daily basis, identifying and using appropriate software for analysis of data, collaborating with Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to insure quality of the results, interpreting results and planning new experiments.

5%- Interact and coordinate efforts with undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the same research group.

Additional Job Description

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.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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