Post-doctoral Fellow - Molecular Biology

The Neuro-Oncology Branch, a trans-institute program of the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is seeking an outstanding candidate to work in its Molecular and Cell Biology Program.  The position involves investigating the unique metabolic phenotype and molecular signaling in brain tumors.  The research aims to systematically explore epigenetic changes in oncometabolite-driven cancers, characterizing critical epigenetic targets within DNA repair, metabolism, and therapy resistance pathways, utilizing genetic and biochemical approaches.  The mechanistic findings will be verified through in vitro and in vivo models, patient-derived specimens for validation, and experimental therapeutics designed based on preliminary findings.  These findings provide strong justifications for future clinical translation and application.

Our laboratory is committed to supporting postdoctoral trainees' scientific career development, commensurate with the level of demonstrated achievements, offering a unique research opportunity in an emerging field with critical basic and translational implications.

To qualify, the successful candidate must possess a Ph.D. degree, preferably in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field, be nearing completion of degree requirements, and have no more than five years of postdoctoral research experience.

The ideal candidate should be able to:

1. Be highly motivated, able to conduct semi-independent research, and work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
2. Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
3. Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
4. Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
5. Keep informed of developments in the field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
6. Perform lab maintenance, including maintaining equipment and ordering supplies, as needed.
7. Teach techniques to, train, and mentor junior research staff.
8. Have strong expertise in cell biology, molecular biology, and next-generation sequencing, with direct expertise in mRNA sequencing, ChIP seq, ChIP cut and run, and ChIP cut and tag assays.
9. Have direct expertise in cell cycle related research, such as synchronization, microscopy, and flow cytometry detection.
10. Master routine laboratory techniques, such as cell culture and transfection, DNA cloning and subcloning, and site-directed mutagenesis.
11. Have excellent communication skills and fluency in both spoken and written English.

Please email curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and three letters of reference to the attention of:  Chunzhang Yang, Ph.D., Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 37 Convent Drive, Room 1142E, Bethesda, MD 20892 at chunzhang.yang@nih.gov.

Candidates may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or nonresident aliens.  DHHS, NIH, the NCI and the NINDS are Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers and are dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

About the NCI Center for Cancer Research

The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside.

Bethesda is one of the most highly educated communities in the United States and has a nationally renowned school system. The city is a thriving suburban center close to Washington, D.C., and home to many restaurants, retailers and a flourishing arts and entertainment district.