MIT Postdoctoral Associate, Cancer Biology
To apply
There is an opening in Prof. Deblina Sarkar’s research group at MIT for a Postdoctoral Associate with experience in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and post-treatment profiling with a particular emphasis on the analysis of various genome sequencing data for cancer both in vitro and in vivo models. Background in brain tumor or glioblastoma is preferred but not required. For details see the Qualifications and Skills sections.
For details visit: https://web.mit.edu/deblina-sarkar/
Responsibilities
- Study the effect of novel therapeutics for cancer both in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of RNA sequencing, DNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell sequencing data to identify key genetic and transcriptomic alterations in cancer.
- Develop and apply advanced bioinformatics and computational biology techniques to interrogate complex sequencing datasets.
- Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate the functional significance of identified molecular targets and pathways.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, biologists, and computational scientists to integrate diverse data sources and drive translational research.
- Contribute to the preparation of research manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations at scientific conferences.
- Mentor and train junior researchers, such as graduate students and research assistants.
Qualifications
Required:
- PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, neuroscience, materials science, electrical/electronics engineering or relevant field
- Experience in creating orthotopic and heterotopic PDX cancer mouse models
- Experience in studying the effect of therapeutics (chemotherapy/ immunotherapy/radiation etc) for cancer both in vitro and in vivo
- Demonstrated expertise in the analysis of RNA sequencing, DNASeq, whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell sequencing data.
- Experience in studying related mechanisms through analysis of transcriptome, and proteome including stemness, invasiveness, migration, autophagy, tumor promoting inflation, cancer immunity, and related cancer pathways.
- Experience with techniques such as gene sequencing, PCR, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, IHC, flow cytometry, transfection, transduction, and transformation etc.
- Experience with in vivo methods such as MRI, IVIS
- Proficiency in computers and the use of bioinformatics tools and software for data analysis and visualization.
- Extensive experience in the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo cancer biology experiments, including cell culture, animal models, and molecular biology techniques.
- Strong publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to advancing the field of cancer research and a passion for scientific discovery.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Expertise in the integration and interpretation of multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
- Experience in PDX models
- Experience in neuro oncology
- Experience in immune engineering
- Experience with cancer stem cells/neural progenitors
- Experience with neurospheres or organoids or other 3D cultures
- Experience in study of electric field in tumor
- Experience in recording electrical/ionic signalling from cells
- Experience in drug delivery
- Experience with statistical analysis
- Experience with genetic manipulation (cell line engineering, GEVIs, etc.)
- Experience in single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics