Researcher

The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the genomic basis of pediatric cancer and its therapeutic implications.  Recent work has focused on functional genomics (Prensner, Nature Biotechnology 2021), microproteins (Hofman, Molecular Cell, 2024), machine learning (Clauwaert, BioRxiv, 2024) and proteomics (Deutsch, BioRxiv, 2024).

This is a fully funded position.  We are supportive of post-doctoral research fellows obtaining independent funding and/or career development awards to advance their independent academic careers. Please see the formal job posting at: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/254378/research-fellow

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and advance independent research projects focused on the cancer genome in pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies.  The lab is broadly interested in the molecular basis of pediatric brain cancer.  

The successful candidate will be able to advance cancer-related work around our active projects in:

·       Non-canonical open reading frames

·       RNA translational control

·       Therapeutic targeting of RNA translation

·       RNA diagnostics

·       Spatial -omics

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct wet-lab molecular biology, tissue culture experiments, and bioinformatic analyses.  Experience in mouse models of cancer would be ideal to apply novel technologies in that setting as well.

The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Develop and conduct independent research projects in pediatric cancer that interface with one or more of the following: spatial translatomics, RNA translation, translational regulation, RNA therapeutics, RNA diagnostics, non-canonical open reading frames, and genomics with a focus on pediatric brain tumors, developmental biology, and human genetics. 

· Maintain and develop collaborations to advance the scientific work.

· Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor. 

· Mentors and trains junior lab members.

· Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

· PhD in the life sciences, or other comparable degree (including MD or MD/PhD)

Skills and abilities

· Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, mouse models, and -omics datasets is desired

· Prior experience with sequencing data analysis, coding in Python and R, is desired

· Prior experience with mouse models of cancer is desired

· Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential.

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed. 

· Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment. 

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun.  We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged.  We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.  We welcome applicants of all kinds.

ABOUT THE CHAD CARR – PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR CENTER

The Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence for research and clinical care for children with brain cancers.  Since 2018, investigators at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center have been awarded over $22 million in NIH or DOD funding, with over 125 scientific papers published.  The Center hosts 2 dozen clinical trials for patients, participates in numerous cooperative clinical trials and tissue biobanks, and has been a destination center for referrals for patients from across the US.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is one of the world’s premier research universities, consistently voted as one of the two top public research universities in the US and one of the top 25 global research institutions.  It ranks third in funding for research and is one of the top five institutions for producing academic faculty.  The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR

Combining small city charm and big city culture, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a highly desirable small city.  Known for its arts, sports, and civic events, Ann Arbor is regarded as one of the most educated, most livable, and most family-friendly cities in the US, supported by nationally renowned public school and public library systems.  Ann Arbor also offers affordability and is located only 20 miles from a major international airport for flights across the world.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.