Description

A full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the Wenjian Gan Lab to investigate the mechanistic and physiological roles of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs)—with a focus on arginine methylation—in human cancers. Research in the lab explores how arginine methylation regulates genomic instability, cell metabolism, signal transduction, and tumor progression to identify novel druggable targets. The project employs an integrative toolkit combining protein biochemistry, molecular biology, functional cell assays, genetic mouse models, and 3D patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

Key Responsibilities

• Molecular & Cellular Dissection: Execute biochemical and cell-based experiments (plasmid construction, PCR/RT-qPCR, transfections, IP/Western blot, proliferation, and colony formation assays) to map arginine methylation pathways.
• In Vivo & Translational Studies: Utilize genetic mouse models and patient-derived organoid platforms to study cancer progression and metastasis, including mouse breeding/genotyping, preclinical drug dosing, and tumor progression tracking.
• Scientific Communication & Grants: Co-author manuscripts and grant applications with the PI, create publication-ready figures, and present research findings in progress seminars and departmental journal clubs.
• Lab Stewardship: Contribute to daily laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, reagent/buffer preparation, inventory management, and lab upkeep.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline.
• Technical Skills: Proven hands-on expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell culture techniques, and mouse models. Experience with organoid culture is preferred.
• Track Record: Strong background of scientific productivity evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Professional Attributes: Self-motivated, collaborative, organized, and driven to advance translational cancer research.