UNIV-Postdoctoral Fellow-Department of Biochemistry

Job Description Summary The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a highly motivated and collegial Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on August 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play important and complex roles in modulating the microenvironment of tumor cells. The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. The first goal of the Han lab is to identify the fetal and adult tissue origins of the abundant CAFs in pancreatic cancer. The second goal of the Han lab is to determine the persistence of fetal gene signatures in defining the heterogeneity of pancreatic CAFs. The third goal of the Han lab is to elucidate the roles of fetal gene signatures in regulating the function of CAFs. The Han lab utilizes various research platforms such as genetically engineered mouse models, human patient samples, cell culture and organoids, which are analyzed using cutting-edge cellular, molecular and bioinformatic techniques. Experienced staff will provide sufficient training on techniques if necessary. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Cost Center CC000954 COM BIOCHEM Operations CC Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Grade University-00 Pay Range $0 - $0 - $0 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Job Description: The department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at MUSC has an opening for a highly motivated and collegial Postdoctoral Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Han, which will join MUSC on August 1st, 2024. The Han lab focuses on the pancreatic cancer, which is a major and deadly cancer type. Pancreatic cancer is driven by DNA mutations in the epithelial tumor cells and is also characterized by a dense stroma primarily composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play important and complex roles in modulating the microenvironment of tumor cells. The goal of the Han lab is to better understand CAFs and their interactions with tumor cells and other components in the tumor microenvironment. Precise characterization and fine-tuning of the tumor microenvironment hold tremendous potential for better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. The Han lab aims to investigate tissue origin(s), heterogeneity, and function of pancreatic CAFs. The first goal of the Han lab is to identify the fetal and adult tissue origins of the abundant CAFs in pancreatic cancer. The second goal of the Han lab is to determine the persistence of fetal gene signatures in defining the heterogeneity of pancreatic CAFs. The third goal of the Han lab is to elucidate the roles of fetal gene signatures in regulating the function of CAFs. The Han lab utilizes various research platforms such as genetically engineered mouse models, human patient samples, cell culture and organoids, which are analyzed using cutting-edge cellular, molecular and bioinformatic techniques. Experienced staff will provide sufficient training on techniques if necessary. Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field. Related techniques: genetic mouse modeling, mammalian cell and tissue culture, microscopy and standard techniques analyzing DNA, RNA, and protein. Job Duties: 30%- Collaborates with the PI and other lab members involved to design and execute experiments using state-of-the-art biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology techniques to study the tumor microenvironment in genetic mouse models and patient derived samples. These duties include mouse breeding, genotyping, mouse dissection/tissue harvesting, histopathology analysis, cell culture, molecular cloning, cell transfection/infection, quantitative real time PCR, Western blot, immunostaining, microscopy, and flow cytometry. 30%- Collaborates in collecting and analyzing data generated from the experiments and duties include keeping accurate records on a daily basis, identifying and using appropriate software for analysis of data, collaborating with Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Shared Resources to ensure quality of the results, interpreting results and planning new experiments. 30%- Collaborates in preparing manuscripts and grants based on the experimental data generated. Duties include keeping current with the literature, preparing figures based on data collected, writing manuscripts and sections of grants with the PI and senior team members, attending and presenting in relevant seminars including research in progress seminars, Pancreatic Cancer Translational Cancer Team Seminars, Cancer Center Grand Rounds seminars and Pancreatic Cancer Journal Clubs. 10%- Helps with laboratory maintenance and regulatory compliance, eg ordering, cleanup of lab areas, maintenance of equipment, helping to prepare IACUC protocols and amendments when appropriate. Additional Job Description Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required. If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us! The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees Thank you for wanting to be part of the Medical University of South Carolina team. Whether you want to teach the next generation of health care leaders, innovate new business models, discover the next breakthrough or provide patient care, there's a role for you that fuels your passion and takes advantage of your skills. There are career opportunities available in academics, research, hospital medicine, physician practices and support services, from patient billing to IT. As an applicant, you can search jobs for all MUSC entities as well as search by category and location. MUSC attracts more than $250 million annually in research funding, making it the biggest magnet for biomedical, extramural research dollars of all institutions of higher learning in South Carolina. The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to advance clinical and translational science to increase the speed at which new treatments become available to patients. MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise, operates a 750 bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital, the Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and surgical oncology), Hollings Cancer Center (one of fewer than 70 elite National Cancer Institute designated centers), a Level I Trauma Center and the Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, there are more than 100 outreach clinics, hospital/health system affiliations, and telehealth sites. U.S. News & World Report placed us among the top one percent of all American hospitals, with 11 specialties in the top 50. The MUSC Medical Center is also one of only three Magnet® designated hospitals in South Carolina.

Salary : $250