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

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

4d

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 successful candidate should demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research.

The position includes conducting research under the guidance of the PI; maintaining organized laboratory records and supporting laboratory operations; training and mentoring colleagues; preparing manuscripts and presenting findings; and collaborating with the PI on research proposals and grant applications. Professional development and applications for independent postdoctoral fellowship awards are encouraged as appropriate.

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 is desirable.
• Experience in stem cell biology, particularly induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, is highly preferred.
• Experience with humanized immune system mouse models is highly preferred.

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, using 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 foster a collaborative environment.
• 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