Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral fellow positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaolu Yang at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The Yang lab studies cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Our current projects focus on two broad areas: 

(1) The tumor suppressor p53, metabolism, and autophagy. We are interested in the regulation and functions of the preeminent tumor suppressor p53. Our results have revealed a role for p53 in modulating metabolic pathways that are critical for biosynthesis and redox balance. We are investigating the function of p53 as both a sentinel and a regulator for metabolic activities. We are also identifying and characterizing metabolic alterations that drive tumor initiation and progression. A recent extension of this research area is to define the role of metabolism and autophagy in stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells.

(2) Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegeneration. Our lab recently identified two protein quality control (PQC) systems, which consist of tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins, respectively. Unlike canonical PQC systems, these new systems are independent of ATP and are unique for animals (the TRIM system) or eukaryotes (the polyD/E system). Both systems are multifunctional and highly effective. We are investigating their mechanisms of action; their roles in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and their utility in treating these diseases.

For more information on the laboratory and its research, please see the following publications and website: 

Science Advances 8: eabo0404 (2022), PMID: 35857842

Nature 597: 132-137 (2021), PMID: 34408321

Nature Cell Biology 23: 978–991 (2021), PMID: 34497368

Cell Metabolism 33: 94-109 (2021), PMID: 33159852

Science 369: 397-403 (2020), PMID: 32703873

Cell Reports 33: 108418 (2020), PMID: 33264628

Nature Communications 11: 348 (2020), PMID: 31953436

Nature Communications 10: 1495 (2019), PMID: 30940803

Cancer Research 79: 2220-2231 (2019), PMID: 30890618

Nature Communications 9: 4683 (2018), PMID: 30409970

Nature Communications 9: 1223 (2018), PMID: 29581427

Cell Reports 18: 3143-3154 (2017), PMID: 28355566

Molecular Cell 55: 15-30 (2014) (Cover Article), PMID: 24882209

Nature 493: 689-93 (2013), PMID: 23334421

Nature Cell Biology 15: 991-1000 (2013) (Cover Article), PMID: 23811687

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 108: 12851-6 (2011), PMID: 21768358

Nature Cell Biology 13: 310-316 (2011) (Cover Article); PMID: 21336310

Molecular Cell 37: 668-678 (2010) (Cover Article); PMID: 20227371

https://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p20138

Successful candidates should have a strong record of scientific productivity and extensive experience in a related field, including but not limited to molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, metabolism, stem cells, cancer, neuroscience, and neurodegeneration. To apply, please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information of three references to:

Xiaolu Yang, PhD

Professor, Department of Cancer Biology

Investigator, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute

Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

654 BRB 2/3, 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160

Email: xyang@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

About the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League university consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. The Perelman School of Medicine at Penn is the oldest and one of the finest medical schools in the United States. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.