Job Description
Despite progress in diagnostic and treatment methods, liver cancer mortality rates remain high. This is partly due to the significant heterogeneity of tumor cells, which results in drug resistance. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind tumor heterogeneity has been challenging. The healthy liver also exhibits considerable genetic variation, a physiological phenomenon known as liver zonation (Cunningham and Porat-Shliom, 2021; Porat-Shliom, 2024). Hepatocytes express different genes depending on their spatial location within the tissue. Although liver zonation was described nearly a century ago, the factors influencing this spatial diversity are not fully understood. The connection between liver zonation and liver disease or cancer is even less understood.
We conduct animal studies and employ dietary perturbations in conjunction with cancer models. We explore the relationship between liver zonation and disease using microscopy, metabolic phenotyping, genetics, and omics approaches (Kang et al. Nature Communications 2024; Kang et al. BioRxiv 2024). Additionally, complementary studies analyze patient-derived samples to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying human physiopathology (Weiss et al. BioRxiv 2025).
The successful candidate will use mouse genetics and microscopy to investigate how spatial location affects tumor growth and aggressiveness. Additional training opportunities are available through interactions with our intramural and extramural collaborators. Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of training courses, actively engage in mentoring, and participate in interest groups and seminars.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
We are seeking creative and highly motivated candidates. Applicants with backgrounds in microscopy, cell biology, cancer biology, and metabolism are encouraged to apply. Experience with mouse work and image analysis is a plus. Our laboratory provides a collaborative and nurturing scientific environment; applicants are expected to possess excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams.
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.