Post Doctoral Fellow

Emory University • Atlanta, GA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Handler Laboratory at Emory University School of Medicine, led by Dr. Jesse Handler, seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms driving pancreatic and colorectal cancer metastasis and drug resistance, and to translate discoveries into therapies and diagnostics. The lab uses genome engineering, synthetic biology, genomics, and computational biology to study regulatory networks in neoplastic cells and tissues. Its research combines genetic manipulation—including DNA barcodes, CRISPRKO/a/i, and shRNAs—with epigenomic readouts in cancer models. Patient-derived data are used to validate findings and guide further experiments in a bench-to-bedside-to-bench research cycle.

The fellow will lead projects integrating wet-lab and dry-lab approaches, develop independent research directions within the lab’s mission, and participate in collaborative team efforts. As an early member of the lab, the fellow will help shape its scientific direction and culture. The role includes close mentorship, career-development support, and opportunities to publish, present research, contribute to grant and fellowship applications, and pursue inventorship on patents. The position is an in-person research-trainee appointment. The initial appointment is one year, with renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funding is available; appointments may not exceed five years.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS, etc.) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Nice To Haves

• Curiosity, creativity, and passion for ambitious scientific research.
• Experience or interest in genome engineering, synthetic biology, genomics, computational biology, genetic manipulation, or epigenomic readouts.
• Interest in developing an independent research program and pursuing a career in academia, industry leadership, or another preferred career trajectory.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research within a specified field under the direction of a Principal Investigator.
• Design and evaluate experiments.
• Develop new ideas that promote current research.
• Lead innovative projects integrating wet-lab and dry-lab technologies.
• Pursue independent lines of inquiry within the laboratory’s mission and contribute to collaborative research.
• Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Validate research findings using patient-derived data and use those data to guide further experiments.
• May operate specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others and train and supervise research staff.
• Participate in fellowship and grant application writing and contributions.

Benefits

• Weekly one-on-one mentorship meetings with Dr. Handler.
• Close collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.
• Opportunities for first-author publications in high-impact journals.
• Opportunities to present work at seminars and national meetings.
• Inventorship opportunities on patents.
• Experience writing and contributing to fellowship and grant applications.
• Tailored career-development support for building an independent research program and preparing for the next career stage.

What This Job Offers

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