Postdoctoral Fellow

The School of Pharmacy has a 120-year tradition beginning with the Medical College of Virginia and continuing to the present. Ranked in the top 20 of Schools of Pharmacy nationwide, the school is dedicated to graduating outstanding future pharmacists and scientists who will improve human health, foster exemplary research and provide sustaining contributions to interprofessional patient care.

This full-time position supports the objectives of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry in Dr. Yana Cen’s lab. Our research aims to understand the roles of mammalian enzymes play in physiological and pathological processes and to use this knowledge to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases. In particular, we are interested in a class of epigenetic modification enzymes called sirtuins, which are involved in protein post-translational modification and have important biological functions. We take a highly integrative chemical biology approach to study the enzymology, identify the modified protein targets, and study the biological significance of the modification. We also develop small molecule regulators targeting these enzymes as therapeutics for age-related diseases and cancer.

VCU offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The initial appointment will be for a one-year period, with the possibility of an extension depending on performance and availability of funding.

Position Responsibilities:

A Chemical Biology postdoctoral fellow position is available in Dr. Yana Cen’s lab in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)-MCV Campus. Our research aims to understand the roles of mammalian enzymes play in physiological and pathological processes and to use this knowledge to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases. In particular, we are interested in a class of epigenetic modification enzymes called sirtuins, which are involved in protein post-translational modification and have important biological functions. We take a highly integrative chemical biology approach to study the enzymology, identify the modified protein targets, and study the biological significance of the modification. We also develop small molecule regulators targeting these enzymes as therapeutics for age-related diseases and cancer.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Chemical Biology or a related discipline
• Extensive experience with cell biology techniques
• Strong scientific record
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of team
• Willingness to assist in mentoring junior scientists

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Essential

• Light lifting
• Pushing/pulling
• Standing
• Sitting
• Walking
• Reaching
• Average pace
• Memory
• Reading
• Verbal and written communication
• Reasoning
• Analyzing
• Hearing
• Logic
  
  

Moderate

• Lifting
• Repetitive Motion
• Climbing
• Bending
• Fast pace
• Multiple stimuli
• Frequent change