Post Doctoral Associate

Dr. Yvonne Mowery with the Department of Radiation Oncology at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is recruiting for the position of Postdoctoral Associate. The goal of the Mowery Lab is to make discoveries that guide the design of improved treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer. We have a particular interest in understanding the molecular underpinnings of radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and immune dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment. We leverage molecular biology techniques, genetically engineered mouse models, and patient-derived tissue specimens to conduct our research.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conformance to standards of responsible conduct in research.
• Compliance with good scholarly and research practice.
• Design and perform experiments in gene editing, molecular pharmacology, molecular cloning, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Develop and utilize technology for analyzing signal transduction in vitro and in vivo.
• Perform tumor growth delay and survival experiments in mouse models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
• Perform cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays in vitro to evaluate the effects of drugs and genetic modifications on the radiation sensitivity of cell lines.
• Perform flow cytometry to characterize circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
• Prepare samples for whole exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and scRNA sequencing and perform bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data
• Organize overall research plan and design, execute, and troubleshoot individual experiments.
• Maintain an organized and complete laboratory notebook detailing all experiments in electronic format.
• Provide a friendly working environment and be available to teach laboratory techniques and scientific methodology to research technicians and other trainees.
• Meet with PI regularly and keep PI informed of all important positive and negative results.
• Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by complying with regulations and following standards and procedures.
• Prepare manuscripts for scientific publication with PI supervision.
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications.
• Protect lab and organization's value by keeping research information confidential.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, networking and presenting at local, national and international meetings, and reading current primary literature.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Holds a Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biomedical sciences or physics
  • A candidate may also be appointed to a postdoctoral position if the candidate has completed all of the requirements for a degree but the degree has not been formally conferred: in this case, the candidate must present evidence of completion of the degree requirements, together with a statement documenting the date on which the degree is to be conferred. If the degree is not conferred by this projected date, the postdoctoral appointment may be terminated.
  • Candidates with non-US degrees may be required to provide proof of degree equivalency.
• Passion for biomedical research and team science
• Track record of scientific productivity (publications)
• Ability to work as a team with senior scientists, graduate students, technicians, medical students, resident physicians
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Experience with cell culture
• Experience with molecular cloning and CRISPR/Cas9 technology is preferred but not required.
• Experience with flow cytometry is preferred but not required.
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing is preferred but not required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.