Postdoc: Breast Cancer Initiation & Mammary Biology

Thecentermemphis; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 65.000 - 85.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The dos Santos laboratory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis seeks a postdoctoral research associate to investigate the cellular and molecular regulation of mammary gland biology and breast cancer susceptibility.

You will work with mouse models, organoids, single-cell genomics, and advanced imaging in a highly collaborative yet independent setting. Responsibilities include designing and performing experiments, data analysis, mentoring junior team members, and preparing

Qualifikationen

• PhD/MD/PhD-equivalent in a related biomedical field with strong publication record.
• Experience with at least one of: mouse models, organoids, molecular/cell biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, epigenomics, or computational analysis.
• Commitment to rigorous, reproducible research and effective scientific communication.

Aufgaben

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret independent research projects.
• Use mouse models, organoid systems, and mammalian cell culture to study mammary biology and cancer.
• Perform molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional assays relevant to breast cancer biology.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to analyze single-cell and spatial genomics data.
• Maintain rigorous, reproducible experimental records and present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, and research proposals.
• Mentor graduate students and research staff; contribute to a collaborative lab environment.

Kenntnisse

Independent research

Mammary biology

Scientific communication

Collaborative work

Ausbildung

PhD/MD/PhD-equivalent

Jobbeschreibung

The dos Santos laboratory in the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate mammary gland biology and breast cancer susceptibility.

Research in the dos Santos laboratory focuses on how genetic predisposition interacts with systemic and tissue-level factors, including inflammation, infection, pregnancy, aging, and hormonal changes, to influence mammary epithelial cell identity, the tissue microenvironment, and breast cancer initiation. Our studies integrate genetically engineered mouse models, primary mammary organoids, human biospecimens, single-cell genomics, epigenomic profiling, spatial and tissue-imaging approaches, and functional perturbation experiments.

The successful candidate will lead an independent but highly collaborative project examining mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and progression.

Potential research directions include:

• Defining how systemic inflammatory and physiological signals alter mammary epithelial cell states and breast cancer susceptibility.
• Investigating interactions among epithelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, and the extracellular matrix during early tumorigenesis.
• Identifying mechanisms that promote lineage plasticity in BRCA1-deficient and other genetically susceptible mammary tissues.
• Examining how pregnancy, aging, and hormonal transitions affect mammary tissue organization and tumor risk.
• Developing organoid and in vivo models for mechanistic studies and cancer-interception strategies.
• Investigating the molecular and cellular basis for increased breast cancer risk in Childhood cancer survivors

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret independent research projects.
• Use genetically engineered mouse models, mammary transplantation assays, organoid systems, and mammalian cell culture.
• Perform molecular, cellular, imaging, and functional assays relevant to mammary gland and cancer biology.
• Collaborate with computational scientists to analyze single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial, and other genomic datasets.
• Maintain rigorous and reproducible experimental records.
• Present findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts, fellowship applications, and research proposals.
• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and other junior laboratory members.
• Contribute to a rigorous, collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually engaging laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong record of scientific productivity and evidence of independent research ability.
• Experience with at least one of the following: mouse models, organoid culture, molecular and cellular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, epigenomics, or computational analysis.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative projects.
• Commitment to rigorous, reproducible, and ethical research.

Applicants with complementary expertise in immunology, stromal biology, developmental biology, aging, metabolism, bioengineering, or computational genomics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Research Environment

The dos Santos laboratory is located within the Department of Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude provides an exceptional multidisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art shared resources in animal modeling, organoid biology, flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, single-cell and spatial genomics, proteomics, computational biology, genome engineering, and biostatistics. The successful candidate will receive close scientific mentorship and support in developing an independent research identity. Opportunities are available for interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development, conference participation, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and career advancement in academic, clinical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical research.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter describing their research experience, scientific interests, and reasons for joining the dos Santos laboratory.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A brief summary of previous research accomplishments and future research interests.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applications should be sent to Dr. Camila dos Santos at [e-mail] with the subject line “Postdoctoral Application – [Applicant’s Name].”

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St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.