UNIV - Post Doctoral Fellow - Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

Job Summary:
The laboratory of Dr. Sahin in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MUSC is currently recruiting a talented & motivated post-doctoral fellow in the field of bioinformatics with cancer biology. Qualified candidates should have training in bioinformatics analyses to support the expanding emphasis on projects focused on elucidating the relationship of treatment responses, particularly immunotherapy, and the genomic landscape of patient tumors. A doctoral degree is required in related areas: bioinformatics, genomics, genetics, computational biology, biomedical informatics, computer science, medicine, biostatistics, or related disciplines.
The Sahin lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapeutics, drug resistance, and metastasis mainly in breast and kidney cancers (Cell Death Dis, 2024. doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06814-3, Cancer Research, 2024, doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2812, Nature Communications, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42736-y, Cell Death & Differentiation, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41418-023-01140-1). We are also interested in developing and pre-clinical testing of novel anti-cancer therapeutics that are easily translatable to clinics (Cell Chem. Biology, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.012). The major research theme of the Sahin lab is to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance/metastasis and target these resistance/metastasis-driving factors with either own developed compounds or available drugs to overcome resistance/block metastasis. Combining animal models with high-throughput transcriptomics/proteomics approaches, bioinformatics/modeling tools and clinical sample analyses, our dynamic group focuses on identifying novel targets overcoming resistance to state-of-art clinically approved or -tested drugs and preventing metastatic spread of breast cancer. Studies will use a range of complementary methods including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, single cell transcriptomics/proteomics, functional cell-based assays, and mouse genetic models. Our projects are funded by the grants from the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, The Department of Defense, Mary Kay Foundation and SmartState Program of South Carolina.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000954 COM BIOCHEM 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

Job Summary: 

The laboratory of Dr. Sahin in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MUSC is currently recruiting a talented & motivated post-doctoral fellow in the field of bioinformatics with cancer biology. Qualified candidates should have training in bioinformatics analyses to support the expanding emphasis on projects focused on elucidating the relationship of treatment responses, particularly immunotherapy, and the genomic landscape of patient tumors. A doctoral degree is required in related areas: bioinformatics, genomics, genetics, computational biology, biomedical informatics, computer science, medicine, biostatistics, or related disciplines.

The Sahin lab focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapeutics, drug resistance, and metastasis mainly in breast and kidney cancers (Cell Death Dis, 2024. doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06814-3, Cancer Research, 2024, doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2812, Nature Communications, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42736-y, Cell Death & Differentiation, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41418-023-01140-1). We are also interested in developing and pre-clinical testing of novel anti-cancer therapeutics that are easily translatable to clinics (Cell Chem. Biology, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.012). The major research theme of the Sahin lab is to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance/metastasis and target these resistance/metastasis-driving factors with either own developed compounds or available drugs to overcome resistance/block metastasis. Combining animal models with high-throughput transcriptomics/proteomics approaches, bioinformatics/modeling tools and clinical sample analyses, our dynamic group focuses on identifying novel targets overcoming resistance to state-of-art clinically approved or -tested drugs and preventing metastatic spread of breast cancer. Studies will use a range of complementary methods including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, single cell transcriptomics/proteomics, functional cell-based assays, and mouse genetic models. Our projects are funded by the grants from the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, The Department of Defense, Mary Kay Foundation and SmartState Program of South Carolina.

Job Purpose

As part of our research group of bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and physicians, you will analyze high-dimensional molecular data (whole-genome, transcriptome, epigenome, and proteome) from cancer patients. Your work will provide critical interpretations that guide personalized therapy recommendations. In addition, you will evaluate molecular biomarkers to support patient inclusion in clinical trials, helping to push the boundaries of precision oncology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Analyze and interpret complex molecular datasets to identify clinically actionable changes

Advance the integration of multi-omics and clinical datasets to uncover mechanisms of tumor evolution, therapeutic resistance, and potential biomarkers.

Assess molecular biomarkers for inclusion in controlled clinical trials

Collaborate with leading scientists to develop innovative workflows and pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis

Work with the PI to develop a career development plan and participate in various career advancement opportunities.

Interact and coordinate efforts with undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the same research group.

Stay updated on the latest advancements in bioinformatics and genomics research and present findings to internal teams and external stakeholders, while also publishing research outcomes and presenting at conferences.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements

• The Postdoctoral appointee must have recently (within the last 3 years) been awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D.).

• Experience in data science in cancer biology and/or immunotherapy development

• Nice to have experience in advanced molecular and cell biology techniques and animal handling/breeding

• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills

• Term Length: 1 year with option to renew Requested Appointment Date

• Contract Type: 12-month with the option to extend for subsequent year(s) upon satisfactory performance

• Preferred Qualifications:        

• Experience with deep learning modelling

• Experience with bioinformatics projects

• Relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals

• A strong background in programming (e.g. Python or R)

• Demonstrated experience with machine learning modelling

• Interest in learning biological/genetic concepts

Job Duties

30% - Analyze and interpret complex molecular datasets to identify clinically actionable changes

20% - Advance the integration of multi-omics and clinical datasets to uncover mechanisms of tumor evolution, therapeutic resistance, and potential biomarkers.

20% - Assess molecular biomarkers for inclusion in controlled clinical trials

15% - Collaborate with leading scientists to develop innovative workflows and pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis

5% - Work with the PI to develop a career development plan and participate in various career advancement opportunities.

5% - Interact and coordinate efforts with undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the same research group.

5% - Stay updated on the latest advancements in bioinformatics and genomics research and present findings to internal teams and external stakeholders, while also publishing research outcomes and presenting at conferences.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) 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.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

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.

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