Position Summary

A postdoctoral Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Eunhee Yi (http://www.yilaboratory.com) at Michigan State University.

We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenic behavior of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), a cause of tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance in cancers. We mainly utilize a high-throughput image-based screening platform, live-cell imaging, genome engineering, cell engineering, and molecular and cell biology techniques to better understand ecDNA biology and its impact on cancer development, progression, and treatment.

Successful candidates will lead projects, including but not limited to the study on treatment resistance mechanisms in ecDNA-containing cancer cells, and developing a novel approach to overcome ecDNA-driven treatment resistance.

This is a full time off-date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal and satisfactory performance. The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work. 

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, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related fields

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related fields
• Lead-author publications in top-tier journals
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to work independently within a research team

Desired Qualifications

Candidates who pursue an independent career path are highly preferred. Expertise in cancer research, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer genomics, high-throughput genetic screening, high-resolution microscopy, image analysis, and/or bioinformatics is also desirable.

Required Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
• Cover Letter

Special Instructions

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities contact form here: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/form/contact. Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/30/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Employees may work with or near human and/or animal blood and/or tissues; live animals; bio-hazardous chemicals and materials; viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; radioactive materials; medical waste; and sharp implements.

Website

HTTPS://PHYSIOLOGY.NATSCI.MSU.EDU/#:~:TE

Department Statement

Department Statement:

The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

The Physiology Department Mission:

• Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
• Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
• Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
• Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.

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.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University