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.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC001074 COM SURG Transplant Surgery 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 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 combines mechanistic cancer immunology with translational investigation to identify therapeutic strategies that improve responses to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The laboratory's research interests include inflammatory signaling, immune cell dysfunction, tumor–host interactions, metabolic regulation of immunity, and the effects of exercise on cancer biology.

The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to:

• Develop and lead research projects under the mentorship of the principal investigator.
• Gain expertise in preclinical tumor models, multiparameter flow cytometry, molecular immunology, and advanced single-cell technologies.
• Collaborate with scientists specializing in cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, and translational medicine.
• Present original research at national and international scientific conferences.
• Serve as a leading author on peer-reviewed publications.
• Participate in manuscript preparation and competitive grant applications.
• Develop the scientific and professional skills necessary for an academic or research career.

We seek a motivated scientist who is intellectually curious, experimentally rigorous, and interested in contributing to a developing research program with opportunities for scientific growth and increasing independence.

International Applicants and Residency Career Pathways:

We particularly welcome motivated international medical graduates who wish to dedicate 2–3 years to full-time research before pursuing residency training in the United States.

This position offers an opportunity to gain substantive research experience in an academic medical center, develop expertise in experimental cancer biology, contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications, and establish a strong foundation for future academic or clinical training.

Candidates interested in U.S. residency training will benefit from mentorship in scientific writing, research presentations, academic career development, and navigating the U.S. academic research environment.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment to research and scientific productivity throughout their appointment.

International applicants may be considered subject to applicable employment authorization requirements and MUSC policies regarding visa sponsorship.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including educational background, research experience, technical expertise, and publication history.
• Cover Letter: Describing previous research experience, particularly hands-on work with mouse models and flow cytometry, current scientific interests, career goals, and anticipated availability.
• References: Names and contact information for three professional references.

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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