UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Pediatrics: DCRI

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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 ([email protected]).

Requirements

• Recent Ph.D. in Neurosciences, Cancer Biology, or a related field.
• Strong skills in molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry.
• Previous experience in a laboratory.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to perform complex calculations.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental procedures and protocols.
• Ability to develop independence in handling tasks and conducting experiments.
• Prior experience in PCR, recombinant DNA techniques, RNA, and protein analysis is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mouse genetic models and survival surgeries, including brain tumor implants.
• Familiarity with CRISPR screening and bioinformatics analyses.
• Experience in animal husbandry, mouse surgeries, and colony management.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Contribute to manuscript and grant preparation based on experimental findings.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree