H230201
Mentor: Dr. Jia Xu, Department of Genetics
Postdoc Fellow Trainee:
The position entails: (a) Working with a high degree of independence; participating in projects within the laboratory; (b) Performing and troubleshooting experiments related to cancer biology, biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology; (c) Collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting data in a professional manner; (d) Developing experiment modifications where needed; (e) Using advanced knowledge and experience of lab practices to support, direct and teach others; (f) Perform other duties as assigned.
The Xu Lab employs a multi-disciplinary approach including Single-Cell sequencing, Proteolysis targeting chimeric (PROTAC) technology, multi-omics, biochemistry, organoid, and in vivo mouse models to interrogate the regulation of the mitosis program by oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells and explore new therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer aneuploidy and chromosome instability (CIN). Additionally, I have a long-term interest in translating primary research findings into clinical applications to develop novel targeted therapies, gene therapies based on Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated gene delivery or Lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-mediated mRNA delivery, and immunotherapies. We are particularly interested in PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway and KRAS pathway. Our disease focus is solid tumors with an emphasis on breast cancer and prostate cancer. The detailed research information and lab personnel can be found on our Lab website: thexulab.org.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to dissect the molecular mechanism of Oncogenic pathways (PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway and KRAS/BRAF pathway) regulating the mitosis program and how this altered mitosis program contributes to cancer development. Meanwhile, the postdoc fellow will have an excellent opportunity to develop novel therapeutic strategies to target these classical oncogenic pathways with newly invented technologies, such as PROTAC and AAV gene therapy. More specifically, the research involves (i) Cancer Cell signaling research and CRISPR screening genes involved in therapy resistance (ii) design, in vitro and in vivo testing of therapeutic compounds and AAV gene therapy. It requires knowledge of basic biochemistry and molecular biology lab techniques, DNA/RNA extraction as well as (q)PCR/RT-(q)PCR, DNA cloning (ligation, transformation), DNA gel electrophoresis, Western blot (important), cell culturing experiments, transfection/transduction, Immunoprecipitation (IP), Virus infection, colony formation assay, mouse work experience (optional) and cell imaging.
Annual Salary Range: $56,000 - $70,000 depending on the research experience and publication record.
Doctorate in cancer or molecular and cellular biology-related field. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirements.
Excellent wet lab skills and experience with molecular and cell biology methods and protocols (including transfection) are essential. Candidates must have extensive experience with (q)PCR, primer design, DNA cloning (ligation, transformation), plasmid preps, DNA/RNA extraction in preparation for sequencing, gel electrophoresis (agarose, polyacrylamide), and cell culturing with bacterial and mammalian cells. Familiarity with RNA-seq, antibiotic resistance/sensitivity testing, drug dilutions, bacterial isolation, and/or quantification via plate reader and imaging instruments would be highly advantageous. The candidate must be dedicated, self-driven, self-motivated, collegiate, and be able to communicate well with scientists from diverse backgrounds.
Primary Location: University
Job Category: Scientific Research
About our Postdoc Office
UAB is committed to the development and success of outstanding postdoctoral scientists. Here at UAB, nearly 300 postdoctoral fellows are training currently in a variety of disciplines. Competitive postdoc awards are available including internships, grant incentives, funds to enhance education and collaboration outside UAB, and teaching opportunities at local universities. There is also a Postdoc Research Day with monetary awards. The Office of Postdoctoral Education strongly encourages UAB research mentors to follow the National Research Service Award stipend level guidelines, and postdoctoral scholars qualify for health, life, and other insurances. They also have the right to participate in the university’s 403(b) program and enjoy vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and other benefits.
About the University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches, and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state, and beyond. UAB is internationally renowned for its intensely collaborative culture that has — for more than five decades — produced breakthroughs in education, health care, research, and service. UAB was ranked #1 in the United States, and in the top 10 worldwide, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2018 Young University Rankings.
Spanning more than 100 city blocks, UAB is the state of Alabama’s largest single employer with nearly 28,000 employees and has an annual, state-wide economic impact of $12.1 billion. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranks 16 UAB graduate programs among the nation’s top 25 and eight UAB specialties were ranked among the nation’s top 50 in the magazine’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals report. UAB research grants and awards are at a record high, totaling $715 million in FY22 — a 50% increase over the past five years. UAB ranks 33rd among all universities in federal research funding and 17th among public universities. UAB's NIH funding continues to grow among peer institutions in the Southeast and beyond, with the university ranking 25th among all universities in NIH funding and 11th among public universities.
UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work/life balance irrespective of, race, national origin, age, genetic or family medical history, gender, faith, gender identity, and expression as well as sexual orientation. UAB also encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and veterans.
For more information on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action at UAB, visit the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion opens a new website, call (205) 934-8762, or contact the office at 701 20th Street South, AB 336, Birmingham, AL 35294-0103.
