UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Regenerative Medicine

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Sungjin Ko in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a new multi-year NIH-funded research project, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026. The postdoctoral fellow will work on liver cancer and liver regeneration using both in vitro systems and in vivo mouse models. Major research directions in the laboratory include: (a) investigating the beneficial and harmful roles of epithelial cellular plasticity in diseased liver, including cell-of-origin mechanisms in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); (b) understanding the pathogenesis of cholestasis-to-CCA transition; and (c) identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets for liver cancer. We are seeking creative and driven candidates with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology, a strong interest in developmental biology and cancer biology, experience working with animal models, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience with RNA-seq analysis, liver biology, organoid culture, CRISPR-based approaches, or bioinformatics is desirable. The successful candidate should demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research.

Requirements

• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology
• Strong interest in developmental biology and cancer biology
• Experience working with animal models
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position.
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position.
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile.
• Ability to work indoors.
• Ability to bend at the waist.
• Ability to twist at the waist.
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations.
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders.
• Ability to fully use both legs.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Possess good finger dexterity.
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions.
• Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function.
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected.
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand.
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance.
• Ability to match or discriminate between colors.
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception.
• Good peripheral vision capabilities.
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction.
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements.
• Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with RNA-seq analysis
• Experience with liver biology
• Experience with organoid culture
• Experience with CRISPR-based approaches
• Experience with bioinformatics
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers.
• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted.
• Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted.
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings.
• Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research within the context of the NIH-funded project under the guidance of the PI. The individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, troubleshooting, and interpreting experiments relevant to liver regeneration, liver cancer, and cellular plasticity.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date laboratory records. This includes experimental documentation, sample tracking spreadsheets, data organization, and maintenance of electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks to ensure reproducibility and compliance.
• Assist with daily laboratory operations and maintenance. Responsibilities include preparation of routine reagents, organization of shared laboratory resources, assistance with mouse colony coordination and basic husbandry-related research needs, and general support of laboratory workflow.
• Assist in the training and supervision of graduate students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to provide technical guidance, share experimental expertise, contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment, and help maintain high scientific and professional standards in the lab.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings. The individual will be expected to contribute substantially to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific writing, and oral presentations.
• Work closely with the PI to develop research proposals and future grant applications for the laboratory. The postdoctoral fellow will also be encouraged to apply for independent postdoctoral fellowship awards, including NIH, AHA, and other internal or external funding opportunities, as part of career development.

Benefits

• Federal E-Verify program participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed