Post Doctoral Scholar - Cancer Institute

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Ma Lab, PSCI

Thoracic Oncology Translational Research

The Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI) is recruiting for a Post Doc Scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Ma at the Penn State College of Medicine located in Hershey, PA. The Ma Lab focuses on translational cancer research in thoracic oncology with emphasis in mechanisms of drug resistance in targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Other areas of research focus include PDX preclinical modeling, predictive biomarkers, epigenetic regulation of tumor reprogramming, and single cell molecular-omics analysis. The responsibilities and requirements include:

• Independently design and perform experiments requiring highly specialized techniques in cancer cellular/molecular biology and cancer immunology. These will consist of:

• In vivo studies using both immunocompromised (e.g. nude mouse, NSG mouse) and immunocompetent mouse models of cancer, including transgenic models
• Molecular and cellular assays such as MTS viability assay, western blot, soft agar assay, cell invasion assay
• Single cell analysis e.g. 10x Genomics Chromium, IsoPLexis IsoLight proteomics platforms
• Molecular and cellular immunology methods and techniques
• Isolation and analysis of tumor cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
• Quantification of gene expression by qRT-PCR and preparation of samples for RNAseq and other genomics, proteomics and epigenomics profiling experiments
• Translational studies involving archival and fresh human tumor biopsied tissues and cell lines, and establishment of preclinical cell lines (including 3D spheroid culture) animal models using patient-derived xenografts (PDX) method
• Management of clinical-pathologic database on translational research project projects involving patients' tissue and blood samples
• Perform multicolor flow cytometry experiments
• Attend and present at lab meetings and external national/international conferences

• Perform manual or computer-assisted data analysis, including the use of bioinformatics software; accurately record procedures used and results obtained from all experiments conducted; summarize results as a primary or a co-author in the form of manuscripts targeted towards high-visibility research journals or posters targeted towards scientific conferences.
• Assist in lab stewardship, which may include maintaining cell cultures, manages safety assessment documents and databases, maintaining lab and equipment, keeping accurate inventory of lab assets, ordering supplies, and follow-up on working conditions of lab equipment and usage.
• Develop new techniques and protocols by consulting various sources (articles, faculty, manufacturers, etc.). Maintain professional growth and development by reading current research literature, attending courses, seminars, and presenting research at conferences.
• Advise, educate and train other lab personnel on area(s) of expertise.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and team-player capacity.

A successful candidate must have a PhD and/or MD degree or equivalent. Substantial experience in relevant techniques, including processing human samples, mouse modeling, and in vitro functional studies, are required. Expertise in cancer immunobiology/immunotherapy would be highly desirable. At least one recent publication (within 2 years) as the first or second author in a peer-reviewed journal in the field of molecular cancer signaling, targeted therapy or immunobiology/immune-oncology to show the active involvement in the research of this area is required.

This is a limited-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance withUniversitypolices.

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