What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doc Res Assoc position at University of Utah Health?
Details
Open Date 03/07/2025
Requisition Number PRN41364B
Job Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Working Title Post Doc Res Assoc
Job Grade A00
FLSA Code Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
VP Area President
Department 02346 - HCI Jens Lohr Lab
Location Campus
City Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range 20000 to 500000
Close Date 06/30/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow to join our research program for a position in the laboratory of Dr. Jens Lohr at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Our basic and translational research program aims to understand the evolution and treatment resistance of hematologic cancers by leveraging advanced next-generation sequencing technologies. We utilize sophisticated approaches, including single-cell multiparameter sequencing and flow cytometry, to analyze circulating and bone marrow tumor cells with high precision. The ultimate goal of highly granular characterization of tumors and their microenvironment is to elucidate the mechanisms of drug resistance in hematologic malignancies and facilitate the discovery of novel immunotherapies. Our research focuses on several key objectives, including: 1) Identifying the regulators of treatment response and resistance in multiple myeloma, 2) Leveraging liquid biopsy as a tool for clinical decision-making and evaluating therapeutic efficacy, 3) Advancing the development of more effective immunotherapies, including CAR T cell therapies. The postdoctoral fellow will interact and collaborate closely with other laboratory-based scientists and computational biologists across Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah and will be involved in a series of research activities including cellular and molecular cancer biology; low input genomics; epigenetics
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Process and analyze liquid biopsy samples, integrating molecular and cellular insights to track disease progression and therapeutic response.
Optimize and troubleshoot methodologies for single-cell multiparameter sequencing, flow cytometry, cfDNA analysis and other relevant assays.
Perform and interpret next-generation sequencing ( NGS ) data from circulating and bone marrow tumor cells.
Work with bioinformatics tools to analyze single-cell and bulk sequencing datasets, identifying key genomic and transcriptomic alterations.
Coordinate with clinical teams to obtain and handle patient-derived samples in compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines.
Utilize flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to dissect immune cell populations and their role in drug resistance.
Work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including clinicians, computational biologists, and immunologists.
Present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and collaborations.
Assist in mentoring junior researchers and maintaining lab operations.
Integrate multi-modal data (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to identify biomarkers of treatment resistance.
Prepare and submit research manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
Contribute to grant proposals and progress reports to secure research funding.
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Problem Solving
Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little supervision while adhering to Standard Operation Procedures.
Must have excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills.
Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive in identifying problems and solutions to address them.
Must be an exceptional team player.
Address scientific and technical challenges related to immune and cancer cell characterization
Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Laboratory environment.
Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as pipetting typing), walking.
Occasionally: Bending, reaching overhead.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD, MD, or MD/PhD
Candidates with solid background in molecular biology and immunology and an interest in translational research are encouraged to apply. Candidates with demonstrated ability for completing complex research projects during their MD, PhD, MD/PhD and significant experience in standard laboratory techniques (including flow cytometry, tissue culture, PCR , western blots, etc.) will be considered.
Basic computational skills to analyze and interpret next generation sequencing and multi-dimensional flow cytometry data
Experience with cell-based potency assays, engineered immune cells, next-generation sequencing ( NGS ) and genome editing ( CRISPR /Cas9) is a plus
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment required
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research and manufacturing environment.
Please include a CV, a letter of interest and a list of three references in the application. Minimum two-year commitment is required.
Preferences
Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.
All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu
https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
