UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Pediatrics: DCRI

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

9d • 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.

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.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mouse genetic models.
• Experience with survival surgeries, including brain tumor implants.
• Familiarity with CRISPR screening.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics analyses.
• Experience in animal husbandry, mouse surgeries, and colony management.
• Availability to work occasionally on weekends, holidays, or evenings may be necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using advanced mouse genetic models and cell-based studies to identify drivers of medulloblastoma growth and relapse.
• Genotype genetically-engineered mice, maintain animal colonies, and conduct in vivo experiments such as treatment studies and orthotopic/subcutaneous tumor cell implantation.
• Monitor disease progression and tumor growth, perform necropsies on experimental mice, and conduct in vitro studies, including preparing cells from these models.
• Perform 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.
• Perform 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.
• Identify and utilize appropriate software for data analysis, collaborate with the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to ensure data quality, interpret results, and plan new experiments.
• Contribute to manuscript and grant preparation based on experimental findings.
• Keep current with relevant literature, prepare data figures, and draft manuscripts and grant sections alongside the PI and other team members.
• Present ongoing research in seminars, attend departmental seminars, and participate in journal clubs.
• Assist with laboratory upkeep and regulatory compliance, including ordering supplies, maintaining stock of experimental reagents and solutions, and ensuring equipment functionality.
• Prepare IACUC protocols and amendments as needed, wash glassware, and ensure overall lab cleanliness.

What This Job Offers

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