Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics
We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to become a part of the multidisciplinary research team headed by Dr. Ajay Goel, who recently relocated to the City of Hope. His research is highly focused on understanding the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancers. One of the primary translational research goals is to develop novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for various gastrointestinal cancers, as well as study immune regulation and identify novel therapeutic targets (e.g. targeted therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors) for various GI malignancies. Our multidisciplinary research group comprises of basic biologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists and bioinformaticians, undertaking a number of collaborative projects involving large international consortia.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Exploration of cell-free DNA-based, liquid biopsy biomarkers for the early-detection of gastrointestinal cancers (including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, liver and esophageal).
- Establish innovative methodologies involving non-coding RNAs-based biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis, prognosis and predictive responses to chemotherapy in gastrointestinal neoplasia.
- Study the role of aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNAs, snoRNAs, piRNAs etc.) in various GI malignancies.
- Understanding the genetic basis of early-onset and familial/hereditary colorectal cancers
- Molecular mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis, the role of stem cells in the context of chemo resistance chemo-sensitization in cancer cells.
- The role of tumor microenvironment, immune regulation and identification of various targeted therapies (e.g. immune checkpoint inhibitors) in GI cancers.
- The role of exosomes as biological determinants, and exosomal cargo as disease biomarkers
- Gut microbiome and its influence in gastrointestinal cancers
Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:
- PhD and/or MD/PhD.
- Evidence of first author peer-reviewed publications.
- Prior molecular, cancer biology and/or translational research experience and evidence of project development.
Preferred education experience and skills:
- Relevant experience in cancer genetics and epigenetics.
- Prior hands-on experience in developing cell-free DNA and RNA-based, liquid biopsy assays in cancers.
- Preference will be given to individuals who had previous experience with microarray and next generation sequencing-based platforms (MiSeq, HiSeq, NovaSeq, RRBS, ChIP-Seq, MeDip etc.).
- Strong background in biochemistry and/or molecular biology, as well as experience in identification and development of therapeutic targets in cancer (CRISPR/Cas-9, high-throughput target screens etc.).
- Desire to grow and develop skills in order to become an independent Investigator.
- Possess excellent communication and writing skills.
- Enthusiastic and highly motivated.
- Able to think creatively and independently.
- Possess good organizational skills.
- Able to work independently and in a team environment.
Additional Information:
- Curriculum Vitae and coordinates of three scientific mentors.
- A cover letter highlighting your research interests, a brief statement explaining how your past research ties in with the goals of our laboratory, and future career plans.
City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.