Job Summary

The Thoracic Oncology Research Laboratory in the Department of Surgery (Thoracic Surgery Section) at the University of Michigan is looking for an outstanding postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in the molecular biology of cancer and a sincere interest in developing new approaches to prevent and treat thoracic malignancies. The laboratory is focused on characterizing molecular and biologic alterations of esophageal and lung cancers, as well as premalignant lesions of each target. Broadly, laboratory interest includes: inhibiting cancer progression though the use of natural products and pharmacologic agents, investigating the role of genetics as well as environmental mediators of cancer (diet, obesity, microbial profile, tobacco use), and studying the phenomena of differential patient response to chemotherapy. Successful candidates will utilize a combination of genetic, pharmacologic, molecular and chemical biology techniques for target identification, understanding cancer-host interactions, investigating mechanisms of cancer inhibition and signaling mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.  Skilled and motivated scientists with an interest in cancer biology and cancer prevention are strongly encouraged to apply.

Sample of Ongoing Laboratory Projects:

-  Investigating tissue microbiome profiles based on esophageal cancer sub-type.

-   Molecular interrogation of the differential response to chemotherapeutic treatment among esophageal adenocarcinoma patients.

-   Mechanistic interrogation of GSTT2 restoration by cranberry proanthocyanidins (C-PAC) utilizing primary human esophageal in vitro cultures derived from African Americans and Caucasians.

-   Early targets in progression of Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

-   Chemoprevention of lung cancer by targeting lonidamine to mitochondria.

-   Synergy of mitochondrial targeted agents against oncogenic drivers of lung cancer.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Required Qualifications*

*In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

PhD in biomedical science or equivalent degree in a relevant field (i.e. cancer biology, molecular biology, pharmacology) within the last 4 years.

Additional required qualifications: A record of scientific accomplishment as indicated by peer reviewed publication. Expertise in basic laboratory and molecular biology techniques, experience culturing human primary and cancer cell lines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, strong computing skills and excellent quantitative and analytical skills. A strong work ethic and commitment to advancing the scientific goals of the laboratory. Willingness to author and co-author peer-reviewed publications and present findings at professional meetings. A collaborative, curious, proactive and organized temperament. Desired qualifications considered a plus: statistical training, expertise in high through-put analysis of biological data, experience in animal handling.