Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Neuroscience

Job Description Summary

The Song Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience and Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression, therapeutic resistance, and tumor-immune interactions.

Our research focuses on RNA alternative splicing, functional genomics, tumor metabolism, and cancer immunology, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and developing innovative treatments for brain tumors. The postdoctoral scholar will pursue research in one or more of these areas, including exon-centric CRISPR screening to identify functional splicing dependencies, alternative splicing regulation of sphingolipid metabolism and therapy resistance, therapeutic targeting of RNA splicing factors, and iPSC-derived microglia-based immunotherapy.

The position involves integrating molecular and cellular biology, CRISPR-based technologies, transcriptomics, iPSC models patient-derived glioma models, and preclinical animal models. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research projects, publish scientific findings, and participate in collaborative research and grant applications.

Visit the Song Lab website for more information: songxlab.com

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000984 COM NEURO RES 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 Song Laboratory in the Department of Neuroscience and Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression, therapeutic resistance, and tumor-immune interactions.

Our research focuses on RNA alternative splicing, functional genomics, tumor metabolism, and cancer immunology, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and developing innovative treatments for brain tumors. The postdoctoral scholar will pursue research in one or more of these areas, including exon-centric CRISPR screening to identify functional splicing dependencies, alternative splicing regulation of sphingolipid metabolism and therapy resistance, therapeutic targeting of RNA splicing factors, and iPSC-derived microglia-based immunotherapy.

The position involves integrating molecular and cellular biology, CRISPR-based technologies, transcriptomics, iPSC odels patient-derived glioma models, and preclinical animal models. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research projects, publish scientific findings, and participate in collaborative research and grant applications.

Visit the Song Lab website for more information: songxlab.com

Job Description:

Duties assigned to this position require in-depth knowledge of cancer biology, molecular biology, immunology, or related biomedical research disciplines. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, developing and optimizing research methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting experimental findings. Responsibilities also include preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting research findings at scientific meetings, contributing to grant applications, and collaborating with other investigators. The incumbent may also assist in mentoring and training graduate students, research technicians, and other junior laboratory personnel.

Job Duties:

35% – Experimental Research and Method Development

Designs, develops, and conducts laboratory experiments investigating glioma biology, RNA alternative splicing, tumor metabolism, and tumor-immune interactions. Applies molecular and cellular biology techniques, CRISPR-based gene editing and functional screening, patient-derived glioma cell models, and iPSC-derived microglia systems. Develops and optimizes experimental approaches to investigate molecular mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies.

35% – Data Collection, Analysis, and Scientific Communication

Collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets experimental data using molecular, cellular, genomic, and imaging-based approaches. Performs or participates in transcriptomic and functional genomic analyses. Maintains accurate and detailed experimental records, evaluates research findings, and troubleshoots technical challenges. Prepares scientific manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and research reports. Contributes to grant applications and the development of new research proposals.

30% – Collaboration and Laboratory Activities

Collaborates with investigators across neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, and translational medicine to advance research projects. Assists in training and mentoring junior laboratory members, supports the development of laboratory protocols, and ensures compliance with institutional laboratory safety, animal research, and research integrity requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

A Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree.

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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