UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Surgery: Cancer Immunology and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Job Description Summary The Department of Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), in collaboration with Hollings Cancer Center, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a translational cancer research laboratory focused on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumor immunology, inflammation, and cancer metabolism. Our laboratory investigates how chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression and responses to immunotherapy. Current research focuses on inflammatory signaling pathways, including iNOS/NOS2 and COX-2/PGE2, and the mechanisms by which exercise and metabolic interventions alter tumor immunity and therapeutic responses. The successful candidate will conduct experimental studies using mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma, with particular emphasis on tumor immunology, immune cell characterization, and molecular mechanisms of inflammation. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong hands-on experience in mouse experimentation and multiparameter flow cytometry. The ideal candidate will be capable of independently designing and conducting in vivo experiments, performing immunological assays, analyzing experimental data, and contributing to scientific publications and grant applications. The position offers opportunities to participate in a growing translational research program integrating preclinical mouse models, human tumor specimens, single-cell technologies, and collaborative clinical research. We welcome applications from international scientists and international medical graduates interested in dedicating 2-3 years to research, including individuals seeking substantial research experience before applying to residency training programs in the United States. Pay Range 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Job Duties 30% - Animal Models and In Vivo Research - Conduct mouse HCC experiments, including tumor implantation, exercise interventions, therapeutic treatments, animal monitoring, and tissue collection. 25% - Flow Cytometry and Immunological Analysis - Perform multiparameter flow cytometry, immune cell isolation, staining, acquisition, gating, and functional characterization of tumor-infiltrating immune populations. 20% - Molecular Biology and Tissue Analysis - Perform RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and sample preparation for single-cell RNA sequencing. 15% - Data Analysis and Scientific Publications - Analyze experimental data, prepare scientific figures, interpret results, draft manuscripts, and present research findings 10% - Grant Development and Research Collaboration - Contribute to grant applications, research proposals, experimental planning, and multidisciplinary scientific collaborations. Preferred Qualifications Experience with mouse cancer models, including Demonstrated hands-on experience with mouse models, including animal handling, experimental procedures, subcutaneous or orthotopic tumor models, and tissue harvesting. Practical experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, incuding sample preparation, antibody staining, acquisition, gating strategies, and data interpretation. Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, RNA isolation, or related assays. Ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and analyze laboratory experiments. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Effective written and verbal scientific communication skills. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment. Background in tumor immunology, cancer inflammation, T-cell biology, macrophage biology, or myeloid cell function. Experience with immune checkpoint blockade or other cancer immunotherapy approaches. Familiarity with exercise physiology, metabolic disease, obesity, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). Experience with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or other tissue-based imaging techniques. Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, or computational analysis of gene-expression data. Familiarity with cell culture, immune cell isolation, and ex vivo functional assays. A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications. Experience contributing to scientific manuscripts, fellowship applications, or grant proposals. Interest in committing 2-3 years to full-time research. Research Environment and Professional Development The successful candidate will join the Department of Surgery at MUSC and conduct research within the collaborative scientific environment of Hollings Cancer Center, an NCI-designated cancer center. Our research program co #J-18808-Ljbffr Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)