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 in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on August 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play important and complex roles in modulating the microenvironment of tumor cells. The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. The first goal of the Han lab is to identify the fetal and adult tissue origins of the abundant CAFs in pancreatic cancer. The second goal of the Han lab is to determine the persistence of fetal gene signatures in defining the heterogeneity of pancreatic CAFs. The third goal of the Han lab is to elucidate the roles of fetal gene signatures in regulating the function of CAFs. The Han lab utilizes various research platforms such as genetically engineered mouse models, human patient samples, cell culture and organoids, which are analyzed using cutting-edge cellular, molecular and bioinformatic techniques. Experienced staff will provide sufficient training on techniques if necessary.

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 in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on August 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play important and complex roles in modulating the microenvironment of tumor cells. The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. The first goal of the Han lab is to identify the fetal and adult tissue origins of the abundant CAFs in pancreatic cancer. The second goal of the Han lab is to determine the persistence of fetal gene signatures in defining the heterogeneity of pancreatic CAFs. The third goal of the Han lab is to elucidate the roles of fetal gene signatures in regulating the function of CAFs. The Han lab utilizes various research platforms such as genetically engineered mouse models, human patient samples, cell culture and organoids, which are analyzed using cutting-edge cellular, molecular and bioinformatic techniques. Experienced staff will provide sufficient training on techniques if necessary.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field. Related techniques: genetic mouse modeling, mammalian cell and tissue culture, microscopy and standard techniques analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein.

Job Duties:

30%- Collaborates with the PI and other lab members involved to design and execute experiments using state-of-the-art biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology techniques to study the tumor microenvironment in genetic mouse models and patient derived samples. These duties include mouse breeding, genotyping, mouse dissection/tissue harvesting, histopathology analysis, cell culture, molecular cloning, cell transfection/infection, quantitative real time PCR, Western blot, immunostaining, microscopy, and flow cytometry.

30%- 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 ensure quality of the results, interpreting results and planning new experiments.

30%- 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, attending and presenting in relevant seminars including research in progress seminars, Pancreatic Cancer Translational Cancer Team Seminars, Cancer Center Grand Rounds seminars and Pancreatic Cancer Journal Clubs.

10%- Helps with laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, eg ordering, cleanup of lab areas, maintenance of equipment, helping to prepare IACUC protocols and amendments when appropriate.

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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