Postdoctoral Associate

The Hwang laboratory at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to investigate the host genetic landscape of human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven cellular immortalization and transformation. Infection with 'high-risk' HPVs causes cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and other anogenital cancers. Although vaccination could prevent the majority of high-risk HPV infections, vaccine uptake rates remain low in many parts of the world, and HPV vaccination cannot treat precancerous lesions or cancers. Therefore, HPV-associated cancers present an urgent public health need: in 2022 alone, there were about 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and about 350,000 deaths worldwide, making it the fourth leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in women. The essential drivers of HPV-mediated carcinogenesis are the HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins, and inhibiting key transforming activities of these oncoproteins has high potential to treat HPV-positive cancers.

To understand and ultimately inhibit HPV-driven carcinogenesis, our team has performed genome-scale CRISPRi and CRISPRa screens in primary human cells, and the project is now advancing to validating and mechanistically characterizing screen hits. The successful candidate will join the project at this exciting stage: leading the hit validation and downstream mechanistic studies, completing the ongoing sub-pool screens, and driving the resulting manuscripts, with ample opportunity to develop independent follow-up directions.

The applicant will be expected to work well in a multi-institute collaboration setting, communicate effectively, and possess a strong desire to contribute to basic and translational research. Training and expertise in virology and functional genomics are essential. This opportunity is particularly suited for candidates who are passionate about research on host-pathogen interactions, especially virus-induced cancers.

Our team is ideally seeking a candidate with:

·       A PhD in virology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, or a closely related field

·       A record of leading projects successfully through publications in scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences

·       A solid understanding of and hands-on experience in functional genomics, including CRISPR screens (CRISPRi/CRISPRa), molecular cloning, lentivirus production, and next-generation sequencing

·       Experience in virology assays and in handling and modulating primary human cells in the presence and absence of infection

·       Bioinformatic analysis of screen and sequencing data is a big plus

Key Responsibilities:

·       Work independently and with team members to design and carry out experiments essential to the individual project and the group's collective success.

·       Lead the validation and mechanistic characterization of hits from CRISPRi/CRISPRa screens.

·       Consult the literature, supervisor, and other scientific staff as needed to troubleshoot experiments.

·       Investigate, learn, and develop new methods and technologies that might be relevant to the project.

·       Maintain and share detailed experimental records, documentation, and written protocols with team members.

·       Contribute to grants, papers, and patents.

Required Skills:

·       Excellent communication (oral and written) and wet lab skills, organization, and time management skills.

·       High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team.

·       Strong desire to learn new methods and ability to think creatively to solve problems.