Post-Doctoral Fellow- Internal Medicine/ Hematology, Oncology & Palliative Care

Virginia Commonwealth University; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 hours/week

Onsite work in Richmond, VA

Exempt status

Professional development

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, VA, seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care to study breast cancer and cancer stem cell biology. The lab uses transgenic and knockout mice to explore GD3S and tumor growth.

Strong writing and collaboration are essential. The candidate will manage mouse colonies, perform tissue culture and immune assays, and contribute to translational research efforts with a focus on cancer biology

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in life sciences within the last three years of matriculation.
• Experience with cancer biology and immunology.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to train students and collaborate within and outside the institution.
• Strong publications and reference letters are required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and characterize transgenic mice colonies.
• Conduct tissue culture, immune cell assays, and molecular assays (qRT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA).
• Investigate breast cancer progression and GD3 synthase role in tumorigenesis.
• Collaborate across disciplines to translate findings into patient care.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent researcher

Collaboration

Scientific writing

Verbal communication

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in life sciences (cellular or molecular biology)

Tools

qRT-PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Animal handling

Job description

At VCU, we take pride in our deep commitment to our postdoctoral community. In 2026, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) named VCU as one of only 12 recipients of its inaugural Institutional Policy Awards, in recognition of our transformative efforts to elevate quality of life and workplace equity for postdocs.

VCU postdocs are Virginia state employees, with benefits mirroring 12-month faculty. We adhere closely to the NPA’s guidelines for best practices in postdoc training. We work closely with our local NPA chapter, the VCU Postdoc Association, to make this a welcoming and productive place to complete your training

Advertising Summary

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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit

School Of Medicine MBU

Department

Internal Medicine

Department Summary

The Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care is a specialized group of physicians, healthcare providers, researchers and professors that provides for the unique medical and supportive care needs of patients in the greater Richmond area and throughout the state of Virginia. As part of VCU Massey Cancer Center, a NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, division members are also involved in developing the latest cancer treatments by conducting research and translating their discoveries into cutting-edge patient care. And as part of the VCU School of Medicine, division faculty, each member of our diverse faculty contributes his or her expertise and experience to our patient care, research and teaching missions. A collaborative environment among division faculty, and with other specialists from multiple disciplines, provides a comprehensive approach to patient care and physician training.

A Postdoctoral Fellowship position under the mentorship of Venkata Lokesh Battula, Ph.D., is available to study Breast Cancer. The laboratory is studying the role of cancer stem cells in breast cancer progression. We are interested in investigating the role of GD3 synthase in regulating mammary tumorigenesis. We will use transgenic mice models and GD3S knockout mice to determine the role of GD3 synthase in regulation of tumor growth. Postdoctoral Fellows are responsible for managing the transgenic and knockout mice colonies as well in vivo tumor growth studies.

Candidates must have a doctoral degree with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience with animal handling, breeding, genotyping, cell-based cytotoxicity assays including flow cytometry, IncuCyte, cancer and immune cell biology, basic cell culture, and imaging skills. Candidates are expected to be self-motivated and have excellent writing and communication skills.

Please see below for other information about the position:

• Salary based on NIH scale for postdoctoral stipends.


• The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.


• Collaborative and inclusive research environment


• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resource


• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement


• Located in the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia

Duties & Responsibilities

The potential candidate is expected to have experience in various tissue culture techniques, immune cell assays, and molecular assays including qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA that we routinely use in our laboratory. Also, we have several animal models including patient-derived xenografts that need to be maintained and used for translational research. A thorough understanding of cancer biology, drug development, and immunobiology is appreciated. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining and characterizing transgenic mice colonies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates should be self-motivated, career oriented, and should be capable of troubleshooting animal handling, molecular, cellular, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, multiple publications, and strong reference letters are required.


• Ph.D. degree in a life science (cellular or molecular biology) within the last three years of matriculation.


• Research experience and an excellent knowledge base in biochemical, metabolic, and signaling process as they relate to cancer.


• The applicant should enjoy providing a training role for students and other coworkers and should be open to scientific collaboration within the institution as well as outside the institution.


• The candidate should possess excellent written and spoken (English) communication skills and should be able to present scientific data at international meetings.


• Possess high levels of independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking.


• The ability to effectively collaborate with individuals across a range of disciplines, including clinicians and scientists.


• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Animal handling including, transgenic colony maintenance, tumor cell implantation, drug treatments, experience in solid tumors, working with suspension and adherent cancer cell lines, the quantitative measurement of mRNA expression, flow cytometry, primary lymphocyte isolation from peripheral blood, big data analysis, and/or the use of animal models would be a plus.


• A PhD in oncology/immunology is preferred. Other relevant domains such as cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology are also accepted.

Salary Range

$63,480 - $68,380

Benefits

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Rank: Non Faculty

Tenure:

Months:

Contact Information

Contact Name: Cheyenne Taylor

Contact Email: [e-mail]