Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Wells) Oncology

Cincinnati Children's

4d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will conduct research on molecular mechanisms underlying squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers. The laboratory investigates both HPV-related and HPV-unrelated SCC development and seeks new approaches for diagnosing, preventing, and treating HPV-associated cancers. Research areas include how HPV oncogenes such as E6 and E7 alter host-cell machinery, the role of cellular HPV targets in viral replication and transformation, and mechanisms of HPV-associated and HPV-independent SCC. Research may use primary human and murine cells and tumors, three-dimensional organotypic epithelial raft cultures, mouse cancer models, and molecular and cellular methods.

The fellow will develop the critical-thinking, data-analysis, experimental-design, and project-planning skills needed to become an independent scientist. Responsibilities include designing, performing, documenting, and analyzing laboratory experiments; improving and evaluating methods; checking protocol and assay accuracy and reproducibility; troubleshooting results or equipment; discussing findings with faculty; presenting research; and drafting scientific publications, reports, abstracts, and grants. The position includes progressively increasing responsibilities in mentoring research staff and fiscal administration, continued professional learning, and compliance with institutional training and policies.

Requirements

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical, scientific communication, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, virology, cell biology, immunology, or a related biomedical field.
• Strong interest in cancer biology, HPV pathogenesis, and translational research.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop critical-thinking and data-analysis skills, devise specific aims, and build long-term project plans and experimental designs to progress toward becoming an independent scientist.
• Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments and analyze data that may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
• Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques.
• Conduct regular quality and reproducibility checks of protocols and assays, implement improvements, and troubleshoot erroneous results or laboratory equipment problems.
• Discuss experimental results and insights with faculty and provide recommendations and analysis.
• Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings, and critically review and discuss presented data.
• Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
• Assume progressively increasing responsibilities for mentoring research staff and fiscal administration.
• Maintain current knowledge through continuing education, literature, seminars, and intellectual discussions with the PI, faculty, trainees, and research staff.
• Seek feedback on career trajectory from the PI, mentoring committee, and others.
• Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and comply with applicable institutional policies and procedures, including Infection Control and ORCRA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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