Job Description
Kidney cancer is a term used to describe a histologically, genetically, and clinically diverse group of tumors arising in the kidney. The Molecular Cancer Section, Urologic Oncology Branch, is dedicated to understanding the molecular pathways driving kidney cancers and developing novel treatments for these cancers. While substantial progress has been made in the treatment of kidney cancer with rational targeted therapies and immunotherapies, the extraordinary molecular heterogeneity of these malignancies is a significant challenge. We are seeking a Staff Scientist with exceptional laboratory skills and experience to investigate the essential oncogenic pathways in kidney cancer models that do not respond to our current targeted therapies. The Staff Scientist is expected to help identify cellular pathways that are active and essential in kidney cancer using a variety of preclinical models including cell lines and mouse xenografts, patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models of kidney cancer. These findings are expected to lead to novel therapeutic approaches in the clinic in a diverse array of kidney tumors for which there are currently limited or no effective options. This translational model is exemplified by the elicitation of the VHL/HIF pathway within the UOB, and the subsequent successful evaluation of the first HIF2 inhibitor, Belzutifan, in patients with VHL (see this article in the New England Journal of Medicine). The ideal Staff Scientist will be an individual who is highly motivated to improve the treatment of cancer patients through an understanding of basic cancer mechanisms.
Qualifications and Job Details
Required and Preferred Skills
- Cancer biology
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
- Protein biochemistry/proteomics
- Genomics
- Mouse models
- Bioinformatics
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.