Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the cancer dark proteome and its therapeutic implications.  

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing projects as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team ILLUMINE, an international collaboration focused on the cancer dark proteome.

This is a fully funded position.  We are supportive of post-doctoral research fellows obtaining independent funding and/or career development awards to advance their independent academic careers.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and advance independent research projects focused on the cancer genome in pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies.  The lab is broadly interested in the cancer dark proteome and functional genomics.  See prior work: Prensner JR et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2021; Mudge JM*, Ruiz-Orera J*, Prensner JR*, et al., Nature Biotechnology , 2022; Hofman D et al., Molecular Cell , 2024; Clauwaert J et al., Nature Communications , 2025; Deutsch EW et al., Nature , 2026.

The successful candidate will be able to advance cancer-related work around our active projects in:
•    Non-canonical open reading frames & the dark proteome
•    RNA translational control
•    Therapeutic targeting of RNA translation

This candidate will be expected to conduct wet-lab molecular biology and tissue culture experiments to advance his/her/their research projects, as well as gain or currently have proficiency in data analysis techniques including analysis of sequencing data.

The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Develop and conduct independent research projects in pediatric cancer that interface with one or more of the following: RNA translation, translational regulation, RNA therapeutics, non-canonical open reading frames, microprotein biology and genomics with a focus on cancer and/or cancer genetics. 
•    Develop fluency with -omics dataset analysis, machine learning tools, and relevant computational biology approaches
•    Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor. 
•    Mentors and trains junior lab members.
•    Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.

REQUIREMENTS
Education
•    PhD in the life sciences, or other comparable degree (including MD or MD/PhD)

Skills and abilitie s
•    Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, mouse models, and omics datasets is desired
•    Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential.
•    Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed. 
•    Ability and eagerness to learn quickly in a fast-paced, self-motivating environment. 

Learn more about this position here :

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT
The Prensner Lab ( seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun.  We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged.  We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.  We welcome applicants of all kinds.

ABOUT THE CHAD CARR – PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR CENTER
The Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence for research and clinical care for children with brain cancers.  Since 2018, investigators at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center have been awarded over $22 million in NIH or DOD funding, with over 125 scientific papers published.  The Center hosts two dozen clinical trials for patients, participates in numerous cooperative clinical trials and tissue biobanks, and has been a destination center for referrals for patients from across the US.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is one of the world’s premier research universities, consistently voted as one of the two top public research universities in the US and one of the top 25 global research institutions.  It ranks third in US funding for research and is one of the top five institutions for producing academic faculty.  The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR
Combining small city charm and big city culture, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a highly desirable small city.  Known for its arts, sports, and civic events, Ann Arbor is regarded as one of the most educated, most livable, and most family-friendly cities in the US, supported by nationally renowned public school and public library systems.  Ann Arbor also offers affordability and is located only 20 miles from a major international airport for flights across the world.

SALARY RANGE: Up to $70,000 for first year of employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.