Position Summary

The Sempere Lab in the Campus-wide Precision Health Program at Michigan State University is seeking a Research Associate (postdoctoral fellow) to lead specific components of our translational cancer research program with a focus on non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer. The NIH-funded Sempere Lab is expanding and looking for a talented individual to join a dynamic and cooperative group with graduate and masters students, medical students, radiology residents, lab technicians, and animal technologists. The Lab investigates various aspects of the pathophysiology of the pancreas using a multi-disciplinary approach, including molecular biology and cellular biology studies to identify microRNA functions and targets, to genetic engineering of animal models of pancreatic cancer to assess microRNA role within specific cellular compartments of tumor microenvironment, sophisticate 3D co-culture platforms, and molecular pathology with single cell-RNAseq analysis and innovative human tissue-based multiplex ISH/IHC assays to implement diagnostics applications for microRNA biomarkers in the clinical setting.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct in vitro culture and 3D co-culture studies manipulating microRNA activity.
• Conduct molecular biology assays and expression analysis in tissue and cell samples to characterize microRNA expression and function in pre-clinical models of cancer and clinical specimens.
• Characterize novel CRISPR-generated rodent models of cancer, including single cell RNAseq analysis.
• Deliver viral particles and/or nanoparticles to modulate microRNA activity in genetically-induced in vivo models.
• Conduct independent laboratory research and mentor students in a team environment.
• Write manuscripts and grant proposals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or equivalent degree in Genetics, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences or similar field.

Desired Qualifications

• Good oral and written communication.
• Good organizational skills; attention to detail and thoroughness in record keeping.
• Expertise on microRNA methodologies and microRNA biology is an asset.
• Expertise on single cell isolation and analysis methods, including FACS, RNAseq, is an asset.
• Experience in RNAseq data analysis and/or bioinformatics tools is an asset.
• Experience working with viral delivery systems (e.g. lentivirus, adenovirus) and/or rodent (mice and/or rats) model of cancer would be an asset.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• a detailed resume or CV,
• a cover letter outlining their research interests and how these factors fit with current research in the Sempere Lab,
• and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

Please visit https://precisionhealth.msu.edu/research/sempere-lab/ and https://cancer.msu.edu/faculty/sempere-lorenzo for more information about the Precision Health Program and the Sempere Lab.

This position is a 12 month annual appointment.  Any offer of employment and or renewal of employment is contingent upon continued funding.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/05/2021

Summary of Health Risks

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue, and other bodily fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://precisionhealth.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Precision Health Program at MSU’s College of Human Medicine is a newly established, innovative, and university-wide initiative aimed at shifting the paradigm of healthcare ecosystem from reactive to proactive. The world-renowned researchers involved in the Precision Health Program at MSU function at the forefront of (bio)medical discoveries focusing on prediction, prevention, and early detection of devastating diseases. The central goals of the Precision Health Program are to successfully translate new therapies from bench discoveries to patients and to train the next generation of precision health scientists.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.