Postdoc: Red Blood Cell–Based Cancer Liquid Biopsy

Upenn; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania seeks a postdoctoral fellow to pursue RBC-based liquid biopsy research. You will lead studies using tumor–RBC co-culture systems, preclinical models, and clinical specimens to define rtDNA mechanisms and detection strategies.

The role emphasizes assay development, analytical performance, and translational potential across oncology indications, with mentorship and collaboration across immunology, hematology, bioengineering, and clinical investigation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, genomics, bioengineering, hematology, immunology, or related discipline.
• Strong record of scientific accomplishment with translational cancer research or biomarker development.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (PCR, NGS, flow cytometry) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies integrating tumor–RBC co-culture systems, preclinical models, and clinical specimens.
• Develop and optimize molecular assays for mutation detection and rtDNA analysis.
• Assess analytical sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of RBC-based liquid biopsy approaches.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance diagnostic technologies.

Skills

PCR

digital PCR

NGS

flow cytometry

biomarker analysis

Education

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in relevant field

Tools

Genomics

Biostatistics

Job description

University of Pennsylvania seeks a postdoctoral fellow to pursue RBC-based liquid biopsy research. You will lead studies using tumor–RBC co-culture systems, preclinical models, and clinical specimens to define rtDNA mechanisms and detection strategies.

The role emphasizes assay development, analytical performance, and translational potential across oncology indications, with mentorship and collaboration across immunology, hematology, bioengineering, and clinical investigation.