Job Description
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the molecular mechanisms that prevent mislocalization of CENP-A and chromosomal instability (CIN) in human cells and mouse models. Faithful chromosome segregation is a critical event for every cell and defects in this process contribute to CIN and aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is proposed to contribute to tumor heterogeneity and cancer progression. Our laboratory uses multi-organismal (yeast, mouse and human cells) and multi-disciplinary (genetic, cell biology, biochemical and genome-wide) approaches to define molecular mechanisms that prevent CIN. Restricting the localization of histone H3 variant CENP-A (Cse4 in budding yeast) to centromeres is essential to prevent CIN. Overexpression and mislocalization of CENP-A has been reported in numerous cancers and this correlates with poor prognosis. We have shown that mislocalization of CENP-A contributes to CIN in yeast and aneuploidy with karyotypic heterogeneity in human cells (Au et al., 2008, 2013, 2020; Ohkuni et al., 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024; Ciftci et al., 2018, Eisenstatt et al., 2020, 2021; Shrestha et al., 2017, 2021, 2023).
The long-term goal is to establish diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic approaches for CENP-A overexpressing cancers. A combination of cell biology, biochemistry and whole genome approaches will be used for these studies. NIH provides an excellent opportunity for training and collaboration with excellent resources for the latest technology within NCI and with other Institutes. The Basrai lab within the Genetics Branch is uniquely poised to address significant questions in cancer biology with investigators doing cutting-edge research in this field. Our trainees are from diverse backgrounds and we offer a multicultural environment conducive for training and career growth.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, microscopy, culturing of human cells and high-throughput approaches for gene function.
Knowledge about mitosis, cell cycle and chromosome segregation
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.
Candidates with a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in biological sciences with an interest in mitosis and cell cycle can send a cover letter with research interests, summary of current research, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to: Munira A. Basrai, basraim@nih.gov. For more information about our research visit our website: https://ccr.cancer.gov/staff-directory/munira-a-basrai.
Start date for the position is after October 2024.