Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Description:

As a Postdoctoral Researcher and according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), you will be an individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored advanced research training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue his or her chosen career path. In addition, according to the National Postdoc Association (NPA), Postdoctoral appointees can pursue basic, clinical or translational projects so long as their primary effort is devoted toward their own scholarship. Postdocs are essential to the scholarly mission of the mentor and host institution, and thus are expected to have the freedom to publish the results of their scholarship.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow who is passionate about understanding the biological mechanisms of cervical cancer and other microbe-associated cancers (broadly defined). This individual will join the Oncopathogenomics Laboratory led by Dr. Akinyemi Ojesina at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Center for Cancer Discovery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This appointment will be for two years in the first instance with consideration for extension.

We investigate tumors as an ecosystem in which microbes (viruses, bacteria, etc) synergize with genomic alterations to influence tumor initiation, progression, response to therapy and prognosis. To do this, we apply a combination of cutting-edge genomic analyses and laboratory experiments to interrogate multi-ethnic patient samples, laboratory cell lines and animal models.

Ongoing and future projects include (i) genomic and functional characterization of molecular drivers of women's cancers, (ii) biology and therapy of atypical cervical cancers, (iii) the role of the tumor microbiome in cancer initiation, progression, therapy response and prognosis, and (iv) novel microbe discovery in cancer and other chronic diseases. The knowledge gained using our "tumor ecology" paradigm will be translated into improvements in cancer prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

Responsibilities

• Perform cell culture and tumorigenic assays with cancer cell lines.
• Perform functional validation of CRISPR-generated driver mutants.
• Investigate signaling pathways associated with cancer driving mutants.
• Perform xenograft experiments.
• Generate and analyze human and microbial genomic sequencing data from tumor DNA and RNA.
• Plan, design and execute complex research studies, procedures and protocols.
• Participate in discovery projects.
• Coordinate research study activities; lead and manage projects.
• Oversee organization, synthesis and analysis of data and findings.
• Prepare scientific reports, outcome findings and scientific manuscripts.
• Participate in meetings with principal investigator and research staff in which you will evaluate/interpret the validity of data, develop methodologies, and design and evaluate lab procedures.
• Maintain supplies, may require negotiation with vendors, and track purchase orders.
• May oversee the work of laboratory personnel including training and development as well as daily work direction, delegation and establishing priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge - Skills - Abilities

• Required knowledge: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Documentation, Records management, Data utilization, Complex problem solving, Critical thinking, Resource management, Writing skills.
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, tumorigenesis assays is essential.
• Experience in molecular cloning and working with lentiviral vectors is essential and working with CRISPR editing tools is essential.
• Experience working with 3D cell line models is preferred.
• Experience with processing and analyzing genomic sequencing data is essential.
• Experience working with computational tools such as R and UNIX is essential.
• Experience with handling of laboratory animals is preferred and working with HPV-positive cell lines is a plus.

Preferred Schedule:



7am to 5pm

Position Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum education: PhD in a scientific field or MD
Minimum experience: 0-3 years of prior postdoc experience

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental.
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination


The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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