Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Translational Brain Tumor Research
The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University is seeking outstanding postdoctoral scholars for expansion of basic and translational studies related to modulation of the blood-brain barrier to enhance passage of drugs, biologicals and cells for treatment of neurological diseases and brain cancer, precision medicine-based approaches to cancer drugs for gliomas, and the study of the effects of ultrasound therapy on the brain across species.
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. Most projects involve analysis of clinical-trial related specimens, where biological questions are investigated.
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 fellow 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:
- PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, gene therapy or neuroscience.
Required Competencies:
- Experience working with small animal models and mammalian cell culture.
- Ability to design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate GLP style recordkeeping, 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.
- Cloning, western blot, immunofluorescence, qPCR.
- Familiarity with next generation sequencing data and gene expression analysis.
- CRISPR, gene silencing and over-expression techniques.
- Assembly of viral vectors.
- Basic coding and next-generation sequencing analysis.
Interested applicants must send a current curriculum vitae, 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 via email at dawn.rose@nm.org. Applicant must be able to begin employment no later than August 1, 2024.
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.