We are seeking an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to join our growing research program focused on identifying and targeting vulnerabilities in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Our laboratory studies how nucleocytoplasmic transport, ribosome biogenesis, and related cellular programs are rewired in specific molecular subtypes of pediatric AML, and how these pathways can be therapeutically exploited. The fellow will help develop fusion-driven models of pediatric AML and evaluate therapeutic vulnerabilities using ex vivo and in vivo systems, including cord blood transduction models, primary AML specimens, and mouse transplantation studies. The fellow may also contribute to studies using patient-derived xenograft models.
The successful candidate will lead a project focused on:
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Defining nuclear export-dependent and ribosome biogenesis-dependent biologic states in pediatric AML
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Identifying molecular subtype-specific and shared therapeutic dependencies
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Developing fusion-driven experimental models of pediatric AML
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Evaluating targeted therapeutic strategies using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches
This position offers a well-defined project with strong translational potential, access to primary patient samples and established leukemia models, mentorship and support for fellowship applications, and opportunities for publication, presentation, and career development.
Key Responsibilities
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Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments investigating ribosome biogenesis, nuclear export, and related dependencies in AML
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Generate and characterize fusion-driven AML models, including viral transduction of human cord blood or hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells with leukemia-associated fusion oncogenes
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Perform viral transduction and gene-modification experiments using approaches such as shRNA knockdown, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, and/or overexpression systems
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Perform functional assays, including flow cytometry, colony-forming assays, drug sensitivity testing, viability/apoptosis assays, qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and protein synthesis assays
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Assist with mouse transplantation and patient-derived xenograft experiments, including sample preparation, monitoring, analysis of engraftment, and therapeutic response studies
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Analyze and interpret experimental data using standard statistical and analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, FlowJo, Excel, and R
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Contribute to analysis of transcriptomic, genomic, or functional screening datasets, including differential expression, pathway-level analysis, and integration with experimental findings
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Stay current with advances in pediatric AML biology, hematopoiesis, nuclear transport, ribosome biogenesis, and targeted therapeutics
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Prepare figures, manuscripts, fellowship applications, and presentations
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Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and national or international conferences
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Help mentor junior trainees in experimental design, lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
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A PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, genetics, stem cell biology, or a related field, with eligibility for appointment at the postdoctoral fellow level. Candidates should have no more than four years of cumulative research experience following completion of the PhD.
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A strong background in cancer biology, hematopoiesis, leukemia biology, or hematologic malignancies
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Experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, flow cytometry, and functional cellular assays
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Experience with viral transduction, including overexpression, shRNA knockdown, and/or CRISPR/Cas9-based gene modification
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Experience with hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, cord blood models, genome editing, or leukemia models
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Some experience with mouse models, transplantation assays, or assisting with PDX studies is an asset
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Familiarity with basic bioinformatic analysis, including working with transcriptomic or genomic datasets and using R for data visualization and analysis
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Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
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Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
Employment Type: Full-time temporary 1 year contract, 1.0 FTE
