Postdoctoral Fellow- Molecular lab (Multiple Openings)
Job Description
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.
HJF is seeking Postdoctoral Fellow(s) responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team. Available positions will be in support of Cancer Moonshot funded research projects at the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP) Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR). Multiple postdoctoral fellow positions are immediately available within the laboratories of Dr. Ayesha Shafi, Dr. Cara Schafer, and Dr. Shyh-Han Tan. We are seeking highly motivated individuals to fill several Postdoctoral Fellow positions. These positions will provide excellent opportunities for continued scientific development and contributions at the interface between research and administration in a dynamic laboratory environment and larger interdisciplinary setting.
The research projects, which aim to elucidate the impact of circadian disruption, immunological alterations, and the rewiring of metabolic components in response to environmental exposures in patients by utilizing biospecimens, are as follows:
1) Profile hormonal and metabolic indicators of diurnal cycle or sleep disruption and elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of circadian dysfunction impacting prostate cancer.
2) Define the signatures of exposure to environmental carcinogens and xenobiotic compounds that alter the genomic, proteomic, and metabolic landscape of prostate cancer patients.
3) Characterize the immunologic status (chemokines and cytokines in the serum) and the lymphocyte repertoire in the development of prostate cancer and in response to environmental exposures.
The Postdoctoral Fellow(s) will be responsible for initiating and carrying out groundbreaking research projects in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of scientific and clinical investigators. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, immunology, or molecular epidemiology. A working knowledge of in vitro cell culture models (3-D, organoid), genetic modifications (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR), DNA damage repair, immunoassays (multiplex ELISA), and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics) is required. Expertise in bioinformatics analysis (using R or Python), spatial tissue profiling, single-cell genomic sequencing would be desirable. Career building opportunities include development of scientific presentation and writing skills, development of leadership skills in collaborative research, fellowship submissions, as well as paper presentation at national and international meetings.
About CPDR:
CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational prostate cancer research program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Department of Surgery and the John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Established in 1992 (Public Law 102-172), CPDR's mission is fulfilled primarily through its three principal programs: (1) the Clinical Translational Research Center; (2) the Basic Science Research Program, and (3) the Multicenter National Prostate Cancer Database to encompass its clinical research work with participating military medical centers.
Please click here to learn more about CPDR.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
- Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
- Perform laboratory research using experimental protocols which involves specialized procedures.
- Collect and handle samples and keep detailed records of experiments.
- Prepare data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.
- Perform duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator including experimental design.
- Ability to analyze data and interpret results.
- Candidate should have relevant knowledge of molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, epigenetics, and immunology.
- Skillsets include cell culture models, molecular assays, and in vivo models.
- The laboratory works with large-scale multi-omics data to explore cancer signaling pathways.
- Experience or willingness to learn basic bioinformatic analyses are desirable.
Physical Capabilities
- Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
- This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.
Education and Experience
- Doctoral degree
- Minimum of 0-5 years experience required.
Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.
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