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

Job Description Summary The laboratory of Dr. Sungjin Ko in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a new multi-year NIH-funded research project. The postdoctoral fellow will investigate liver cancer and liver regeneration using in vitro systems, including stem cell-based models, and in vivo mouse models. Major research directions include: (a) examining the beneficial and detrimental roles of epithelial cellular plasticity in liver disease, including cell-of-origin mechanisms in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA); (b) investigating the mechanisms underlying the transition from cholestasis to CCA; and (c) identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets for liver cancer. We seek creative and motivated candidates with a strong background in molecular and cellular biology; an interest in developmental biology and cancer biology; experience working with animal models; and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 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, as well as experience with humanized immune system mouse models, is highly preferred. The successful candidate should demonstrate scientific independence, initiative, and a strong commitment to collaborative research. Entity Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Cost Center CC001062 COM REG MED Operations CC Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Grade University-00 Pay Range 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Essential Duties Essential duty (35%): 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 relevant iPSC/stem cell culture and differentiation approaches, complementary in vitro systems, and mouse models. Essential duty (10%): Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date laboratory records, including experimental protocols, cell and sample tracking, data organization, and electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks, to support reproducibility and research compliance. Essential duty (10%): Support daily laboratory operations, including routine reagent preparation, maintenance and quality control of relevant cell culture systems, organization of shared resources, coordination of mouse colonies and related research activities, and general laboratory maintenance. Essential duty (15%): Assist in training and mentoring graduate students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel. Provide technical guidance, share experimental expertise, foster a collaborative environment, and help maintain high scientific and professional standards. Essential duty (15%): Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings. Contribute substantially to data analysis, figure preparation, scientific writing, and oral presentations. Essential duty (15%): 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. Physical Requirements Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location. MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet® designated hospitals in South Carolina. #J-18808-Ljbffr Medical University of South Carolina