Post-Doctoral Associate - Prostate Cancer Research

To view the full position description and submit an application, please visit: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ex...

About the Job

The Masonic Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join Dr. Scott Dehm's laboratory. This position is focused on defining mRNA polyadenylation mechanisms as regulatory nodes and therapeutic targets in advanced prostate cancer. The Postdoctoral Associate will lead research evaluating alterations in mRNA polyadenylation that underlie prostate cancer progression, define key regulatory mechanisms, and test therapeutic antisense morpholino oligonucleotide strategies to block specific mRNA polyadenylation events. Methodologies utilized in this project include mRNA poly(A) stie mapping, short- and long-read RNA sequencing, targeted mass spectrometry, cellular growth/metabolic assays, and testing therapeutic efficacy in cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDX).

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Function 1 (40%)

• Conduct research investigating mRNA polyadenylation mechanisms in prostate cancer, designing and testing poly(A)-blocking antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOs) in vitro and in vivo using prostate cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Function 2 (25%)

• Perform molecular and proteogenomic experimental procedures, including RNA isolation, mRNA polyadenylation site mapping, long- and short-read RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, Western blotting, targeted mass spectrometry, and glycolytic rate assays (ECAR/GlycoPER).

Function 3 (15%)

• Analyze, interpret, and integrate transcriptomic, poly(A) mapping, and proteomic datasets using bioinformatic and statistical tools in collaboration with Dehm Lab bioinformatics specialists

Function 4 (10%)

• Prepare high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at departmental seminars and scientific conferences, and assist with writing grant progress reports.

Function 5 (10%)

• Assist with laboratory management, mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees, maintain experimental protocols, and ensure compliance with safety and institutional guidelines.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related biomedical science field.
• Extensive hands-on experience in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA/DNA isolation, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, gene knock-down via siRNA/shRNA).
• Demonstrated research productivity evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

About the Department

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated to cancer research, education, and patient care for the citizens of Minnesota and the surrounding region. Since the time of the first award in 1997, there has been consistent growth of the membership and research base, enabling our center to further advance our knowledge and enhance care for our catchment area. We are driven to be the choice academic healthcare environment for patients, clinicians, scientists and students who seek exceptional, compassionate, precision cancer therapy; innovative clinical trials and prevention programs; cutting-edge research opportunities; and outstanding advanced education.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,480 - $77,076; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

For more information of benefits, please visit: https://hr.umn.edu/jobs/Why-UM...