Research Investigator Sr.
About The Position
The Penn Image-Guided Interventions (PIGI) Laboratory in the Departments of Radiology and Cancer Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly motivated and organized Senior Research Investigator. The PIGI Laboratory is an interdisciplinary translational research program operating at the intersection of cancer biology, molecular imaging, and image-guided interventions. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach spanning molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, tumor immunology, cancer metabolism, animal models of cancer, advanced imaging technologies, and image-guided therapies, with the ultimate goal of developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients. A major focus of the laboratory is understanding the biological mechanisms that govern response and resistance to locoregional therapies, including endovascular and percutaneous interventions, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Current research efforts emphasize characterization of the tumor microenvironment and its dynamic interactions with cancer cells, stromal elements, immune populations, and therapeutic interventions. The successful candidate will work closely with investigators in interventional radiology, cancer biology, pathology, immunology, and computational biology to develop and lead studies leveraging patient-derived models, clinical biospecimens, molecular profiling technologies, and preclinical models of cancer. This position offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative and collaborative research environment, contribute to the strategic growth of a highly translational research program, supervise and mentor trainees and staff, and interact with a broad community of investigators within the Departments of Radiology and Cancer Biology, the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and the Abramson Cancer Center.
Requirements
- Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, and 5 to 7 years of postdoctoral experience is required.
- A Ph.D. in biological sciences such as cancer biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics or computational biology is required.
- Completed post-doctoral training of at least 2 years duration with experience applying molecular biology and/or computational biology techniques to a cancer biology setting.
- Technical depth in cell and molecular biology, with proven experience in advanced assays, including at least one of the following: Cancer genetics and functional genomics, Tumor immunology and immune profiling, Cancer metabolism and metabolic phenotyping, Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies, Next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering and functional screening approaches, Flow cytometry and immune-cell characterization, Development and characterization of patient-derived cancer models, Mouse models of cancer and therapeutic response studies.
- Comfortable handling large datasets and performing exploratory data analysis to rapidly generate data visualizations and tables of summary statistics.
- Experience designing experiments, supervising their execution, identifying sources of error and improving processes.
- Experience troubleshooting and optimizing molecular biology assays, training junior scientists and troubleshooting analytical issues.
- Organizational and clear communication skills are a necessity, including the ability to work with, and present effectively, in cross-functional teams of scientists and clinicians.
Nice To Haves
- Experience using R or Matlab for data analysis is preferred; however, other approaches are also acceptable.
- Experience with the development of mouse and rat models of cancer.
- Knowledge of fluorescence markers and imaging with an understanding of basic absorption and emission spectroscopy.
- Experience with IHC (immunohistochemistry) and ability to interpret IHC staining results on human tissue sections.
Responsibilities
- Oversee general lab operations.
- Assist other lab personnel with experimental procedures and analysis.
- Contribute to the strategic scientific direction of the lab, including the development of new projects.
- Assist with grant writing.
Benefits
- Excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families
- Generous retirement benefits
- A wide variety of professional development opportunities
- Supportive work and family benefits
- A wealth of health and wellness programs and resources
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
- Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and potentially other institutions
- Retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth basis options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard
- Substantial amount of time away from work (vacation, personal affairs, illness, injury, family time)
- Long-Term Care Insurance partnership with Genworth Financial
- Wellness and Work-life Resources
- Professional and Personal Development resources
- Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural and recreational activities (libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries)
- Discounts and Special Services (arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, theme parks)
- Flexible Work Hours
- Penn Home Ownership Services (forgivable loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia)
- Adoption Assistance for qualified expenses related to legal adoption
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
