Postdoctoral Training Opportunity - Translational Brain Tumor Research
The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral trainee to join the R01-funded lab of Dr. Craig Horbinski in order to study the significance of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 on glioma behavior. Mutant IDH1 is a powerful prognostic marker in gliomas, but the reasons for this are incompletely understood. Current research in the Horbinski laboratory focuses on the effects of mutant IDH1 and its D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG) product on the tumor microenvironment. This includes the role of D2HG in promoting seizure activity, as well as its role in reducing thrombosis and necrosis.
The Horbinski laboratory uses a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques, including assays to test malignancy and blood clotting, metabolomics, next-generation sequencing, methylation profiling, patient-derived intracerebral xenografts, Sleeping Beauty models of IDH mutant gliomas, neuronal firing, and seizure activity in mice. They are located on the Northwestern Downtown Campus in the Chicago Streeterville neighborhood. This campus has state-of-the-art core facilities in the areas of genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, flow-cytometry and microscopy. Since Dr. Horbinski also directs the Northwestern Nervous System Tumor Bank and the Mouse Histology and Phenotyping Laboratory, his laboratory has excellent access to high-quality, patient-derived biospecimens and histologic assays for impactful research.
The postdoctoral trainee will be expected to conduct independent bench research; analyze, interpret and present data; prepare manuscripts and build a publication record including submissions to leading cancer biology journals; supervise rotating undergraduate, graduate, and medical students; apply for internal and/or extramural funding; and attend national meetings that will help to build an international reputation.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in a field related to cancer and/or neuroscience
Required Competencies:
- Basic cell culture techniques and molecular biology (cell culture, western blots, lentiviral gene transduction, PCR and general molecular biology)
- Experience working with small animal models of brain tumors and in vivo drug delivery
- Ability to independently design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and collaborate effectively within a team environment
- Be willing and able to train and help mentor graduate students and rotating trainees
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to prepare and present research at meetings and write scientific manuscripts in fluent English
Preferred Competencies:
- Molecular biology
- Developing primary neuronal cell cultures
- In vivo seizure and animal behavior models
- Cancer cell biology
- Biostatistics tools, including Excel and GraphPad (or other similar biostatistical packages)
Application
Interested applicants must send a current curriculum vitae with publications listed, a cover letter containing a short summary of research experience and aspirations, and names and contact information for at least three professional references to Craig Horbinski, MD, PhD at craig.horbinski@northwestern.edu.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.