Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology


Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Research fellow (Postdoc) is expected to work in a Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) Research Laboratory. The laboratory's central focus is on understanding the role of growth factor signaling, especially Insulin-like growth factor receptor signaling, in regulating gastrointestinal and thoracic cancer stem cells as well as anti-cancer immune responses. Our comprehensive CSC research program has two major components - development of novel anti-CSC Glycosaminoglycan mimetics to inhibit CSC self-renewal and enhance anti-cancer immune response, especially that involving the innate immune system. The Postdoc will have an opportunity to participate in the cutting-edge collaborative research projects spanning multiple laboratories at VCU and McGuire VA Medical center.

Position Responsibilities:

This Postdoc is expected to perform the highest quality research in developing novel molecules for targeting CSCs. The Postdoc will have the opportunity to work with advanced primary human cultures including organoids, and ALI cultures. Moreover, they will utilize state-of-the-art techniques including but not limited to CYTOF, single-cell RNA seq, etc. to assess CSC phenotype and anti-cancer immune response. We specialize in understanding the role of growth factor signaling in regulation of CSC self-renewal as well as developing and testing novel therapies to selectively inhibit cancers stem cells, the root cause of cancer-related morbidity/mortality. The progress will be evaluated based on the ability to perform quality work in a fast-paced environment, collaborate well with fellow scientists, and demonstrate the ability to learn and grow scientifically, including preparing and publishing high-quality scientific manuscripts

Required Qualifications:

Candidate should possess a Ph.D. degree and be proficient in cell culture, transgenic and orthotopic, and other animal models of cancers. Additionally, proficiency or experience in western blotting, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis is also desirable.

Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Light lifting (less than 20 lb), fast pace, multiple stimulation, intense customer interaction, frequent change, memory, reasoning, hearing, reading, analyzing, logic, and verbal and written communication.

Other Related Information

A fingerprint background check is required
Position will remain open until a candidate is selected.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.