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Job Description Summary

This postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Pancreatic and Liver Tumor Research Laboratory at MUSC's Department of Surgery. The lab is focused on studying translational aspects of hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. Novel therapeutic strategies including new drug candidates targeting differences between cancer and normal metabolic processes are modeled in vitro and in vivo and moved forward as clinical strategies. Personalized neoantigen vaccines are modeled in animals or organoids and moved forward as clinical strategies. Specimens from patients undergoing cancer care or clinical trials are brought to the laboratory in order to better understand the underlying biology, to elucidate the reasons for success or failure of therapeutic strategies, and to generate new hypotheses. Research will include exploring the use of small molecules, animal modeling, and multiple omics platforms to better understand cancer biology. The position will involve advanced research on immunologic and drug development of new therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. The successful candidate will work on both preclinical animal models and clinical trials.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC001073 COM SURG Surgical Oncology CC

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

Location:

• Institution: Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Department of Surgery

• Lab: Pancreatic and Liver Tumor Research Laboratory

• Principal Investigator: William G. Hawkins

Research Focus:

• Primary Areas:
  o Immunology (Personalized vaccines targeting neoantigens)
  o Immunology (Tumor Micro-Environment - Overcoming cancer induced immunosuppression)
  o Drug Development (Tumor Metabolism - Targeting alterations in metabolism)
  o Drug Development (Drug-Delivery - Cancer selective drug delivery)

• Key Technologies/Methods:
  o Immunology (Assessment of immune function)
  o Immunology (Assessments of exhaustion and memory)
  o Cellular therapy (Enhancing TILs with personalized approaches)
  o Drug Development (tumor viability, drug resistance, synergy)
  o Drug Development (tumor selective targeting)
  o Animal models (murine models of immunology and cancer metabolism)
  o Clinical trials

Job Duties:

• 35% - Design and Conduct Research: Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of research projects in drug-development capitalizing on metabolic alterations of cancers. Anti-tumor immunotherapy using vaccines, tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes.

• 20% - Develop New Ideas: Contribute to ongoing research projects by developing new ideas to push forward current research goals.

• 20% - Collaboration: Work closely with the research team, including postdocs, graduate students, and faculty, to contribute to the progression of translational research.

• 10% - Developing and caring for animal models: Animal models support this research. Caring for and improving animal models of HPB cancers.

• 10% - Publication: Prepare and publish research findings in scientific journals.

• 5% - Clinical Trial Involvement: Participate in ongoing clinical trials that test and supporting specimen collection.

Training and Career Development:

• The candidate will receive advanced training in cutting-edge technologies and research methodologies.

• Opportunities to enhance professional skills in scientific writing, experimental design, and grant writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant field such as immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or related disciplines.

• Research Experience: Applicants must have experience with:

  • Basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., cell culture, RNA/protein analysis, animal handling).

  • Immunology and relevant research techniques.

• Experience with Animal Models: Comfortable working with mice, including animal handling and surgical techniques.

• Strong Communication Skills: Both oral and written communication skills are essential, with experience in writing and publishing scientific manuscripts preferred.

• Passion for Research: A strong desire to contribute to medical advancements in cancer research and translational science.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements:

(Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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