Job Description
Two postdoctoral positions are available with a starting stipend of $65,100 in the Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, to perform basic research on DNA tumor viruses (papillomavirus and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus). This includes studies on genome structure, integration and expression, RNA splicing and post-transcriptional regulation of viral and host RNA transcripts, noncoding RNAs and nonsense-mediated RNA decay, and protein-RNA and RNA-RNA interactions in virus infection and tumorigenesis.
Our overall goal is to understand how DNA tumor viruses interact with host factors in infected cells to express their essential genes at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We aim to further understand how these viruses are responsible for disrupting the host cell functions, promoting cell transformation and clonal expansion. We are using state-of-the-art high-throughput technologies, various high-resolution imaging techniques, in vivo and in vitro RNA processing assays, gene knockouts and rescue experiments in mammalian cells, and transgenic animal models to gain new insights into the mechanisms and dynamics of DNA tumor virus molecular biology. A brief description of these studies and related publications can be found at https://ccr.cancer.gov/staff-directory/zhi-ming-zheng
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
Applicants must have a strong background in molecular virology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or RNA biology.
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.
Frederick
Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland but retains a “small town” feel, surrounded by mountain views with a vibrant Main Street community. The city offers outstanding schools, a balanced and thriving economy and a highly educated workforce.
Interested candidates must have a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and have less than 5 years of relevant postdoctoral experience. This is a time-limited, renewable appointment.
To apply, send a cover letter, CV including bibliography, and contact information for three references to the following address:
Zhi-Ming Zheng, M.D., Ph.D.
HIV Dynamics and Replication Program
National Cancer Institute
P.O. Box B, Building 535, Room 312
Frederick, MD 21702-1201
Email: zhengt@exchange.nih.gov