UNIV-Postdoctoral Fellow-Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a highly motivated and collegial Postdoctoral Fellow to work full-time on cancer biology research at the intersection of drug resistance, metastasis, and drug discovery in breast and kidney cancers in the laboratory of Dr. Sahin. 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 - $0 - $0

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Job Description:

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a highly motivated and collegial Postdoctoral Fellow to work full-time on cancer biology research at the intersection of drug resistance, metastasis, and drug discovery in breast and kidney cancers in the laboratory of Dr. Sahin. 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.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

Candidates who have received a Ph.D. in the past three years and possess experience in cancer biology, in vivo cancer models, cell culture, molecular and cell biology techniques, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy, and drug discovery experience are preferred.

Job Duties:

30%- Collaborates with the PI and other lab members involved to design and executes experiments using state-of-the-art biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and human cells 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. These duties include cell culture, western blotting, immunoprecipitation to dissect the mechanisms of drug action and drug resistance as well as metastasis, clonogenic assays, molecular and functional experiments.

30%- Conduct in vivo experiments to test anti-cancer agents with respect to their effects on tumor growth, metastasis, body weight changes, blood counts and histology.

25%- Collaborates in preparing manuscripts and grants based on the experimental data generated. Duties include keeping current with the literature, preparing figures based on data collected, writing manuscripts and sections of grants with the PI and senior team members, presenting current work in research in progress seminars, attending departmental seminars and participating in journal clubs.

10%- Helps with laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, e.g. ordering, cleanup of lab areas, maintenance of equipment, helping to prepare IACUC/IBC protocols and amendments when appropriate Collaborates in collecting and analyzing data generated from the experiments and Duties include keeping accurate records on a daily basis, identifying and using appropriate software for analysis of data, collaborating with Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to insure quality of the results, interpreting results and planning new experiments.

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

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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