Postdoctoral Fellow - Andrew Dhawan Lab

VS-Postdoc; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 31,200 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

VS-Postdoc is seeking a highly motivated wet-lab scientist for a postdoctoral position at Cleveland Clinic specializing in RNA therapeutics. The successful candidate will lead independent research projects focused on therapeutic resistance in brain tumors and mentor students.

A PhD or MD/PhD is required, along with previous research experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $31,200 to $95,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD required for the position.
• Previous experience in a research or academic setting is necessary.
• English proficiency proof required for candidates on certain visa statuses.

Responsibilities

• Design independent research projects and generate data.
• Lead projects on therapeutic resistance in brain tumors.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Skills

RNA Biology

Scientific writing experience

Independent troubleshooting

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD or MD/PhD

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Job description

Job Overview

Highly motivated individuals with a PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant area are encouraged to apply. This training position, under the direct supervision of a Cleveland Clinic Principal Investigator, will provide practical training and experience in a research setting. The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to research, a collaborative work ethic, and strong communication skills, both written and verbal. This program is expected to be completed within 5 years.

NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Salary Scale (FY 2025)

• 0 years: $62,232
• 1 year: $62,652
• 2 years: $63,120
• 3 years: $65,640
• 4 years: $67,824
• 5 years: $70,344
• 6 years: $72,960
• 7 or more years: $75,564

Research Focus

The Dhawan Lab is seeking a motivated wet‑lab scientist to lead our expansion into RNA therapeutics. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of basic RNA discovery and translational neuro‑oncology within the Cleveland Clinic’s world‑class research ecosystem.

Principal Investigator: Andrew Dhawan, MD, DPhil, FRCPC

Cleveland Clinic Research Department: Cancer Sciences

Research Themes: Therapeutic resistance, Functional genomics

Job Responsibilities

• Independent project design with the goal of data generation, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation.
• Lead independent research projects focused on understanding mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in brain tumors.
• Develop and implement innovative non‑coding RNA delivery strategies.
• Optimize and perform specialized sequencing protocols.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Education

• PhD or MD/PhD required.
• MD with relevant laboratory experience may substitute for PhD.

Languages

English proficiency proof required for candidates arriving on J‑1, J‑2, or F1+ OPT visa status.

Work Experience

• Previous experience in a research or academic setting. Graduate student experience meets this requirement.
• Scientific writing experience.

Additional Preferred Qualities

• Extensive experience in RNA biology, including RNA folding, stability, and delivery mechanisms.
• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene‑editing tools for functional screens.
• Strong track record of independent troubleshooting in a wet‑lab environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for grant and manuscript preparation.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity through peer‑reviewed publications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to distinguish color.
• Manual dexterity to handle specimens and repair equipment.
• Ability to lift and transport equipment or specimens weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, bio‑hazards, radioactive materials, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE per institutional requirements; may vary by laboratory.

Preferred Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter (detailing technical expertise in RNA)
• Three references with email and phone numbers

Keywords

Postdoc, Research, RNA Therapeutics, miRNA, circRNA, Molecular Biology, Gene Therapy, RNA, Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Epigenetics, Glioblastoma, Therapeutics

Pay Range

• Minimum Annual Salary: $31,200.00
• Maximum Annual Salary: $95,000.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set, and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.) and does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cleveland Clinic is an equal employment/affirmative action employer: Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Smoke/drug‑free environment.

Contact Information

All application materials should be submitted directly via email to Andrew Dhawan at [e-mail].