Post-doc Position Available – Medicine, Los Angeles, California
12.11.2018Environment and Background
The Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC is a multidisciplinary research institute developing innovative approaches in the prevention and treatment of cancer in order to significantly impact patients’ health and quality of life. We focus on understanding complex tumor-microenvironmental interactions and discovering optimal approaches for personalizing patient care. Our vision is to use a patient’s own metrics (genetic information, molecular tumor markers, dynamic tumor cell behaviors and drug responses across diverse microenvironments) to determine the most effective treatment. We are currently investigating a broad range of biological systems, including cell culture, mouse models, and patient-derived tissues.
Position Responsibilities
We are seeking a talented and passionate postdoc who has a strong interest in cancer biology. The qualified candidate will study the impact that exosomes derived from the tumor microenvironment have on pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance using 2D and 3D cell cultures and mouse models. The projects will involve isolating extracellular vesicles produced by cancer associated fibroblasts, and pancreatic cancer cells; characterizing the cargo of the isolated microvesicles; and examining if the isolated microvesicles are able to induce phenotypic and genotypic changes on neighboring healthy and diseased cells. The candidate will work in close collaboration with a diverse team consisting of cancer researchers, computational scientists and clinicians. Key technical skills include mammalian tissue culture (2D and 3D), qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and various cell proliferation and cell survival assays.
Requirements
Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, or other relevant discipline. Candidates should have productivity as demonstrated by publication record. Applicants must have training in mammalian tissue culture (2D and 3D), experience with in vivo animal models, and familiarity with immunohistochemistry. Excellent verbal and communication skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are required. Key success factors in the performance of this position include being organized with the ability to maintain records accurately, the ability to collaborate across disciplines, and curiosity.
Interested individuals should provide their CV and a 1-2 page cover letter describing their professional goals and how their research experience can advance these research goals.
Other:
Preferred Education: Ph.D. degree in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, or other relevant discipline
Preferred Experience: 1 year
Preferred Field of Expertise: Training in mammalian tissue culture (2D and 3D) and familiarity with exosomes, in vivo animal models, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.
Posting Salary Range:
Percentage of Time: 100%
Fixed Term: Yes
Fixed Term: 1-year fixed term
Minimum Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctorate within previous five years
Minimum Experience: 0-1 year
Minimum field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.