Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Training Opportunity - Translational Brain Tumor Research

The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University is seeking outstanding postdoctoral trainees for expansion of basic and translational studies related to epigenetic regulation of transcription in gliomas, precision medicine-based approaches to cancer drugs for gliomas, and the study of the relationship between the anti-tumoral immunity with genetic and epigenetic alterations during glioma progression.

This position offers an opportunity to work in the NIH-funded lab of Dr. Adam Sonabend, a neurosurgeon-scientist with a background in translational brain tumor research, the study of glioma progression, and regulation of transcription. The Sonabend lab has a strong translational emphasis and relies on patient tumor specimens and clinical data, transgenic mouse glioma models, next-generation sequencing data (ChIP-seq, exome sequencing, RNA-seq), and cutting-edge technologies such as whole genome CRISPR screens for advancing our projects.

The lab has strong collaborations with expert groups in complementary fields including Dr. Maciej Lesniak’s lab (Northwestern University) for tumor immunology, Dr. Ali Shilatifard (Northwestern University) for epigenetics, and Dr. Raul Rabadan’s lab (Columbia University) for computational and systems biology. The department offers a nurturing environment for career development, a stimulating community of several brain tumor research labs, weekly conferences, and seminars of interest.

The postdoctoral trainee will be expected to 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

Ph.D. in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology or epigenetics.


Required Competencies:

  • Experience working with small animal models and mammalian cell culture
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate GLP style record keeping, and collaborate effectively within a team environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to prepare and present research at meetings and write scientific manuscripts in fluent English

Preferred Competencies:

  • Expertise in immunology and flow cytometry techniques
  • Expertise in epigenetics, ChIP
  • Familiarity with next generation sequencing data and gene expression analysis
  • CRISPR, gene silencing and over-expression techniques
  • Cloning and rescue of retroviral and lentiviral vectors

Interested applicants must send a current curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter containing a short summary of research experience and aspirations, and names and contact information for at least three professional references to Dawn Rose (dawn.rose@nm.org). Applicant must be able to begin employment no later than April 1, 2020.

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.