UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Pediatrics: DCRI

Job Description Summary A cancer research laboratory under Dr. Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco within the Hollings Cancer Center and the Darby Children’s Research Institute has an opening for a postdoctoral position. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Research Grant Cost Center CC001013 COM PEDS Children's Research Institute CC Pay Rate Type Hourly, Salary Pay Grade University-00 Pay Range 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description This lab utilizes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, including genetic mouse models and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts, to investigate the intracellular drivers of pediatric brain tumor growth. The primary research focus is on elucidating the signaling mechanisms that contribute to the relapse of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. The research will employ a range of complementary techniques in cellular and molecular biology, including immunoblotting, RT-qPCR, immunoprecipitation, ChIP-PCR, IHC and IF imaging, flow cytometry, as well as bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and functional cell-based assays. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and hold a recent Ph.D. in cancer biology, neurosciences, or a related field, with a strong background in molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry. While experience with mouse genetic models and survival surgeries, including brain tumor implants, is preferred, it is not mandatory. Familiarity with CRISPR screening and bioinformatics analyses is also considered an advantage.

Job Duties:

• (Essential) 30% - Experimental Design and Execution: Work collaboratively with the PI and other lab members to design and execute experiments using advanced mouse genetic models and cell-based studies to identify drivers of medulloblastoma growth and relapse. Responsibilities include genotyping genetically-engineered mice, maintaining animal colonies, conducting in vivo experiments such as treatment studies and orthotopic/subcutaneous tumor cell implantation, monitoring disease progression and tumor growth, performing necropsies on experimental mice, and conducting in vitro studies, including preparing cells from these models. Lab techniques involve cell culture, molecular and cellular biology assays (e.g., cell viability, IF, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, PCR, qPCR, reporter assays, IHC, ChIP-PCR), and functional genomic assessments of gene expression and transcription factor binding to target genes, including single-cell RNA sequencing, standard RNA sequencing, and ChIP sequencing. Additional tasks include recombinant DNA work and lentiviral production for cell transfection and transduction experiments.
• (Essential) 30% - Data Collection and Analysis: Support data collection and analysis from experiments, including maintaining accurate and detailed records on a daily basis, identifying and utilizing appropriate software for data analysis, collaborating with the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to ensure data quality, interpreting results, and planning new experiments. These responsibilities are essential.
• (Essential) 30% - Manuscript and Grant Preparation: Contribute to manuscript and grant preparation based on experimental findings. Responsibilities include keeping current with relevant literature, preparing data figures, drafting manuscripts and grant sections alongside the PI and other team members, presenting ongoing research in seminars, attending departmental seminars, and participating in journal clubs.
• (Essential) 10% - Laboratory Maintenance and Compliance: Assist with laboratory upkeep and regulatory compliance, including ordering supplies, maintaining stock of experimental reagents and solutions, ensuring equipment functionality, preparing IACUC protocols and amendments as needed, washing glassware, and ensuring overall lab cleanliness.

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

The candidate should hold a recent Ph.D. in Neurosciences, Cancer Biology, or a related field, with strong skills in molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry. Experience working with mouse genetic models is desirable but not required. Additional experience with CRISPR screens and bioinformatic analyses is advantageous. Must have previous experience in a laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong organizational, record-keeping, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential. The candidate must be able to perform complex calculations, follow detailed experimental procedures and protocols, and develop independence in handling tasks and conducting experiments. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in animal husbandry, mouse surgeries, and colony management. Prior experience in PCR, recombinant DNA techniques, RNA, and protein analysis is required. Availability to work occasionally on weekends, holidays, or evenings may be necessary.

Additional Job Description 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)
• 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.

Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills.

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.