Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Tothova Lab
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Full Time – Onsite

The laboratory of Zuzana Tothova, MD, PhD is a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, physician-scientists and computational biologists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Our laboratory uses genomics and a wide range of molecular and cellular biological techniques to elucidate the molecular basis of cancer and hematologic disorders, with the aim of translating these insights into novel therapies for patients with cancer. Our specific focus is to understand the role of chromatin modifiers and epigenetic factors during disease progression of blood cancers, and to find novel therapeutic opportunities in myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

A full-time postdoctoral fellow position is available in the laboratory of Zuzana Tothova, MD, Ph.D. at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. We are a seeking enthusiastic, collegial, creative, self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging research environment, and can interact well with others as part of a cohesive team. The position will involve the study of hematologic malignancies, and projects will integrate analysis of human cell lines, engineered mouse models, and primary human samples.

Responsibilities:

Projects will be tailored to a candidate’s interests, experience and goals, within the areas of laboratory focus, including (1) the effect of cohesin mutations on chromatin organization during disease progression from clonal hematopoiesis to MDS/AML; (2) mechanisms of transcriptional deregulation and splicing incohesin-mutant cells; (3) the role of DNA damage in cohesin-driven MDS/AML development; and (4) the role of transposable elements in cohesin-mutant cancers.

• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thought.
• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot hypothesis-testing experiments.
• Interpret and discuss research findings with lab members and the principal investigator.
• Analyze and present data both informally and formally.
• Use existing computational tools to analyze complex data sets, including next generation sequencing data sets, and/or fluently and effectively collaborate with computational biologists toaccomplish this.
• Provide advice and training for junior members of the lab.
• Maintain a detailed and understandable electronic lab notebook.
• Develop figures to depict research findings, write research and review papers, career development grants, and present at scientific meetings.

Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or doctoral equivalent required with strong track record of scientific accomplishments and productivity during graduate training.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience with tissue culture, flow cytometry, standard molecular, cell biology and biochemistry techniques highly desireable
• Experience with basic bioinformatics analysis
• Outstanding planning, organizational, multi-tasking skills
• Experience with mouse models of MDS/leukemia is a plus but not required

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.