Post Doctoral.Post Doctoral.Associate

The Nacev Laboratory in the Division of Malignant Hematology/Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join a translational research program focused on transcriptomic and chromatin dysregulation in sarcoma, with an emphasis on fusion and translocation driven sarcomas. The laboratory investigates how chromatin regulators, including ATRX, and other alterations reshape the epigenome and the transcriptome in ways that promote cancer growth and open up therapeutic opportunities. We are highly motivated to develop translational approaches to improving the treatment of patients with sarcoma.
The successful candidate will lead a project integrating epigenetic, transcriptomic, and genetic approaches to define mechanisms of chromatin dysregulation in sarcoma and to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Responsibilities will include:
● Designing and executing epigenomic, transcriptomic, and cell biology experiments, including those that measure chromatin accessibility and chromatin marks using cell lines and patient- and murine-derived tissues.
● Performing transcriptomic analyses, including RNA sequencing and library preparation
● Applying CRISPR-based genome engineering to generate and characterize isogenic model systems
● Maintaining and manipulating human and murine sarcoma cell lines using standard tissue culture and molecular biology techniques
● Performing or learning in vivo murine tumor model studies under approved IACUC protocols
● Interpreting and integrating multi-omic datasets in collaboration with laboratory bioinformatics personnel
● Presenting findings at laboratory meetings, institutional retreats, and national scientific conferences, and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
● Applying for extramural fellowship and career development funding to support the position and the candidate's career advancement

The laboratory is a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that includes graduate students, a research scientist, a bioinformatician, and research technical staff, with active collaborations across the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and external institutions. Work is performed on site in laboratory space at The Assembly.

Qualifications:

Doctorate in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, or a related field, 0 to 4 years of experience/exposure in molecular biology, epigenetics, cancer biology, or a related discipline. This position is suitable for either a first or second postdoctoral appointment.

Required qualifications:

• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, cloning, and immunoblotting
• Demonstrated experience with mammalian tissue culture
• Willingness to perform or learn in vivo murine model work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate time-sensitive experiments, including occasional evening or weekend work
• High level of motivation for translational research with potential patient-facing impact

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

PI287268581