Job Description
Our group is looking for postdoctoral candidates who have an interest in how polyomaviruses (or viruses in general) cause host genome instability and contribute to cancer.
Polyomaviruses are ubiquitous non-enveloped DNA viruses that can cause severe disease including cancer in humans, especially those that are immune-suppressed. Merkel cell polyomavirus is the best studied as the etiologic agent of most cases of Merkel cell carcinoma. However, a growing body of evidence supports the idea that BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) plays a causal role in bladder cancer carcinogenesis. In particular, solid organ transplant recipients are at a significantly increased risk for developing bladder and kidney cancers, especially if they have a previous history of BK viremia. Work from our lab and others have identified integrated BKPyV in many tumors of immune-suppressed individuals with evidence from genomic and transcriptomic data that the virus has dramatic effects on tumor biology. Our lab is using this information to build model systems to further identify and study polyomavirus-mediated mechanisms of tumorigenesis with the goals of improving treatment and prevention.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
Candidates are required to be self-motivated and have strong organization skills, being able to manage and eventually drive their own research projects and keeping detailed records of all experimental conditions. Strong communication skills are also required (i.e., writing, presenting, editing, etc.).
Experience with molecular and cellular biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, PCR, cloning, or sequencing is advantageous. Willingness to participate in mentorship activities with graduate students and post-bacs is also a plus.
About the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by long-term funding and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists are able to pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and HIV/AIDS. The CCR research portfolio covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research. Our work ranges from basic to translational and clinical, and our clinical trials are conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research that offers a robust infrastructure to support CCR’s patients on an estimated 250 open studies. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside. Read more about CCR, the benefits of working at CCR and hear from our staff on their CCR experiences.
Bethesda
Bethesda is one of the most highly educated communities in the United States and has a nationally renowned school system. The city is a thriving suburban center close to Washington, D.C., and home to many restaurants, retailers and a flourishing arts and entertainment district.
Please provide the contact information for 3 references, letters are not needed at the time of application, but will be contacted if the candidate is being considered.