Postdoctoral Position : Boston, MA

Job Description:
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. Projects involve evaluation of the role of DNA repair pathways in hematopoietic stem cell function, and in lymphoid and neural malignancies through the characterization of germline and conditional mouse models using novel cellular and genomics based approaches. The lab focus is on understanding how defects in Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) in DNA repair impact on immunodeficiency and aging associated pathologies, including immune system decline, stem cell dysfunction and cancer. We are interested in the genomic stability maintenance functions of NHEJ and in this context, the interplay between various repair pathways with DNA damage response (DDR) and cell cycle checkpoints to prevent malignant transformation. We are developing novel stem cell based and state of the genomics based methodologies to examine the mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
The lab uses multidisciplinary approaches that include biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, cytogenetics and genetic analysis through the modulation of mouse cancer models, and has developed novel genomics based approaches to survey the genes and epigenetic landscape that underlie disease development. Therefore, the successful candidate must be willing to work with and handle mice, and have knowledge and prior experience with gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, cloning, PCR, tissue culture and transfection of mammalian cells, work in bacterial cells, have worked with or have the willingness to work and manipulate with mouse embryonic stem cells and routine biochemistry approaches are desirable. Individuals with bioinformatics background with interest in modulation of stem cell technologies are particularly desirable.
We are looking for only self-motivated individuals to become involved in the exciting and challenging environment of the laboratory. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a major role in the expansion of the laboratory, and will be exposed to many cutting edge technologies in the cell and molecular biology of cancer, including cytogenetics, noncoding RNA and gene expression analysis, proteomics, bioinformatics and biochemistry. This will be a great opportunity for recent and upcoming PhD and MD, or MD. PhD graduates to address fundamental questions in aging and cancer through the utilization of state of the approaches. The successful applicant must be able to work individually as well as within a group. The duties of the successful candidate will be to develop and conduct research projects in the laboratory in one or more areas through the utilization and modulation of mouse models in both in vitro and in vivo settings. The environment of the lab allows for a great deal of interaction with the principal investigator, other members of the lab and other researchers within the Harvard Medical School campus including the BIDMC Cancer Center, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, IDI andBBS programs. PhD or MD/PhD in Molecular biology/Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Immunology or related field is preferred. Motivated MDs/clinical fellows with interest in lab research may also apply if they have independent lab experience and understanding in the relevant fields. Please send recent CV/biosketch with reference contacts by email to Dr. Catherine Yan atcyan@bidmc.harvard.edu.