Post Doctoral Scholar

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky seeks a fully funded Postdoctoral Scholar to join the Liu Laboratory in Toxicology and Cancer Biology. The appointment focuses on how neutrophils and myeloid cells influence breast cancer progression, metastasis, and immunotherapy responsiveness using in vivo mouse models.

The successful candidate will work on mechanistic studies and translational questions related to TNBC, tumor-host interactions, and resistance to therapies, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cellular biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with mouse models and in vivo experiments.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong motivation to pursue research in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and myeloid cell biology.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models to study cancer immunology.
• Investigate neutrophil and myeloid cell roles in breast cancer progression and therapy resistance.
• Apply scRNA-seq and other molecular techniques to analyze tumor-immune interactions.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to NIH/ACS funded projects.

Skills

Mouse models

In vivo experiments

Molecular biology

Cell biology techniques

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

PhD or MD/PhD (cancer biology, immunology)

Tools

Flow cytometry

scRNA-seq analysis

Job description

A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cellular biology, or a related field

Required Related Experience

Hands-on experience with mouse models and in vivo experiments

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

• Sitting at computer work station for long periods of time
• Standing for long periods of time
• Risk of back injury from moving/lifting, equipment, or materials
• Repetitive motion
• Lifting/Carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Pushing/Pulling up to 25 lbs.
• Job Related Travel
• Loud Noises
• Hazardous Chemicals or fumes
• Temperature extremes
• Radiation
• Burns/Cuts/Punctures
• Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens/Recombinant DNA /Viral Vectors

Shift

40 hours a week. Some evenings and/or weekends may be necessary.

Job Summary

A fully funded Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Xia Li at the Department of Toxicology and Cancer biology. The position is supported by recently funded NIH / NCI R01 and American Cancer Society (ACS) Research Scholar Grant awards and is available immediately.

Research Focus

The Liu Laboratory investigates how neutrophils and other myeloid cells regulate breast cancer progression, metastasis, and response to cancer immunotherapy, with a particular focus on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Our research focuses on the interplay between tumors and the systemic tumor macroenvironment, particularly how tumor-derived signals reprogram hematopoiesis and neutrophil development and function to promote cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.

• Molecular mechanisms regulating emergency granulopoiesis and neutrophil development during cancer progression
• Systemic tumor-host interactions within the tumor macroenvironment
• Functional and molecular heterogeneity of circulating and tumor-associated neutrophils
• Signaling pathways regulating the generation and immunosuppressive functions of immature neutrophils/ PMN -MDSCs
• Mechanisms by which neutrophils promote breast cancer progression and metastasis
• Mechanisms underlying neutrophil-mediated resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
• Metabolic and functional reprogramming of neutrophils during cancer progression
• Novel therapeutic strategies targeting tumor-myeloid interactions to inhibit metastasis and overcome immunotherapy resistance

The projects combine mechanistic studies with clinically relevant questions and provide opportunities to identify novel therapeutic targets within both the local tumor microenvironment and systemic tumor macroenvironment.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular/cellular biology, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with mouse models and in vivo experiments
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Strong motivation to pursue research in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and myeloid cell biology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Experience with mouse tumor models is particularly important for this position.

Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis is preferred.

Additional experience in cancer immunology, neutrophil/myeloid cell biology, flow cytometry, bone marrow transplantation, bioinformatics, or immunotherapy studies is highly desirable.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 12/31/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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