Postdoctoral Fellow

NYU Langone Health; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research lab is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the role of APOBEC deaminases in cancer. The successful candidate will conduct experiments to explore mutational mechanisms and develop strategies to combat therapy resistance. This position offers mentorship and collaboration opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility in Manhattan.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD required.
• Experience in cancer biology or cell biology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cell and molecular biology experiments.
• Investigate mechanisms of APOBEC deaminases in cancer.

Skills

cancer biology

cell biology

cell states

molecular techniques

Education

PhD

MD/PhD

Job description

Misregulation of APOBEC Deaminases in Cancer

Postdoctoral Fellow

Join our team of world-class biomedical investigators at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

The Petljak Lab is seeking a motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our multidisciplinary team dedicated to investigating the causes and consequences of somatic mutations in cancer. Our lab integrates cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches to uncover cell-intrinsic and environmental mutational sources and to study their impacts in cancer development and evolution. We leverage mutational signatures—distinct genome-wide patterns of mutations caused by specific DNA-damaging factors—which serve as quantifiable DNA fingerprints of individual mutagenic exposures. Our ultimate goal is to identify mutational sources that drive cancer for the development of novel preventative and therapeutic strategies.

Key Concepts: somatic mutations, mutational signatures, APOBEC mutagenesis

Position Summary

The successful candidate will conduct cell and molecular biology experiments to investigate the mechanisms by which APOBEC cytosine deaminases—major mutators and emerging drivers of therapy resistance in cancer—become misregulated. APOBEC deaminases primarily function as viral restrictors, deaminating cytosine and cytidine bases in viral DNA and RNA as part of the innate immune response to limit viral replication. The position builds on our recent publications defining APOBEC enzymes as causes of mutations in cancer and drivers of tumor heterogeneity (Cell, 2019; Nature, 2022; Nature Genetics, 2023). Our lab has contributed to characterizing the fundamental models, mechanisms, and emerging roles of APOBEC mutagenesis in cancer. This work aims to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying their APOBEC deaminase misregulation to develop biomarkers for identifying patients in whom these could be targeted to delay the onset of resistance and prolong responses.

Research will be carried out at the newly established CURE facility in the heart of Manhattan, a state-of-the-art center equipped with advanced technologies to support innovative research. The candidate will work closely with bioinformaticians to gain hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing analysis and computational approaches while contributing to collaborative academic and industry projects. Mentorship will be provided by Dr. Petljak, who will offer guidance in translating research findings into patents and start-up opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD. Preference given to applicants with prior experience in any of the following: cancer biology; cell biology (including cell states such as senescence, stem cells, metabolism, stress, and similar); broad experience in cell, molecular, microscopy, IF techniques
  Computational experience not required.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000 depending on completed years of experience.

How to Apply

The application must include a CV and a cover letter indicating the candidate’s interest in the topic area and qualifications for the role. Please submit to [e-mail].

NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.