UNIV- Postdoctoral Fellow- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

5d

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 is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a new multi-year NIH-funded research project. The fellow will investigate liver cancer and liver regeneration using in vitro systems, including stem cell-based models, and in vivo mouse models. Research directions include examining beneficial and detrimental roles of epithelial cellular plasticity in liver disease, including cell-of-origin mechanisms in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); investigating mechanisms underlying the transition from cholestasis to CCA; and identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets for liver cancer.

The fellow will develop and conduct research under the guidance of the PI; design, implement, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments; and work with iPSC/stem cell culture and differentiation approaches, complementary in vitro systems, and mouse models. The role also involves maintaining accurate laboratory records, supporting laboratory operations, training and mentoring laboratory personnel, preparing manuscripts, presenting research findings, and contributing to research proposals and grant applications. The successful candidate should demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research.

Requirements

• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with RNA-seq analysis, liver biology, organoid culture, CRISPR-based approaches, or bioinformatics.
• Experience in stem cell biology, particularly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation.
• Experience with humanized immune system mouse models.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research within the NIH-funded project under the guidance of the PI.
• Design, implement, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments related to liver regeneration, liver cancer, and cellular plasticity, including iPSC/stem cell culture and differentiation approaches, complementary in vitro systems, and mouse models.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date laboratory records, including protocols, cell and sample tracking, data organization, and electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
• Support daily laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, cell culture system maintenance and quality control, shared-resource organization, mouse colony coordination, and general laboratory maintenance.
• Assist in training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel.
• Provide technical guidance and experimental expertise and help foster a collaborative environment and maintain scientific and professional standards.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings.
• Contribute to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific writing, and oral presentations.
• Work with the PI to develop research proposals and future grant applications.
• Pursue professional development and, as appropriate, apply for independent postdoctoral fellowship awards, including NIH, AHA, and other internal or external funding opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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