The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the genomic basis of pediatric cancer and its therapeutic implications. 

This is a fully funded position.  We are supportive of post-doctoral research fellows obtaining independent funding and/or career development awards to advance their independent academic careers.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and advance independent research projects focused on the cancer genome in pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies.  The lab is broadly interested in the molecular basis of pediatric brain cancer. 

The successful candidate will be able to advance cancer-related work around our active projects in:

• Non-canonical open reading frames
• RNA translational control
• Therapeutic targeting of RNA translation
• RNA diagnostics

This specific candidate will be expected to develop a new technology of spatial translatomics (spatial Ribo-seq).  The successful candidate will be expected to conduct wet-lab molecular biology, tissue culture experiments, and bioinformatic analyses of high-throughput spatial datasets.  Experience in mouse models of cancer would be ideal to apply novel technologies in that setting as well.

The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and conduct independent research projects in pediatric cancer that interface with one or more of the following: spatial translatomics, RNA translation, translational regulation, RNA therapeutics, RNA diagnostics, non-canonical open reading frames, and genomics with a focus on pediatric brain tumors, developmental biology, and human genetics. 
• Maintain and develop collaborations to advance the scientific work.
• Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor. 
• Mentors and trains junior lab members.
• Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.

Education

•  PhD in the life sciences, or other comparable degree (including MD or MD/PhD)

 Skills and abilities

• Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, mouse models, and -omics datasets is desired
• Prior experience with sequencing data analysis, coding in Python and R, is desired
• Prior experience with mouse models of cancer is desired
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed. 
• Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment. 

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun. We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged.  We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.  We welcome applicants of all kinds.

ABOUT THE CHAD CARR PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR CENTER

The Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence for research and clinical care for children with brain cancers.  Since 2018, investigators at the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center have been awarded over $22 million in NIH or DOD funding, with over 125 scientific papers published.  The Center hosts 2 dozen clinical trials for patients, participates in numerous cooperative clinical trials and tissue biobanks, and has been a destination center for referrals for patients from across the US.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

Connections working at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor