Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Michigan (U-M); Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan Physiology/Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance independent projects on the cancer dark proteome and RNA translation in pediatric cancers. The role combines wet-lab molecular biology with data analysis of sequencing data in a collaborative environment.

Successful candidates will work under the Prensner Lab, contribute to cancer genomics studies, and pursue independent funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences or comparable degree (MD/MD-PhD acceptable).
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA assays, and molecular biology preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to communicate across levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct independent research projects in pediatric cancer interfacing with RNA translation, translational regulation, and non-canonical open reading frames.
• Gain fluency with -omics data analysis, ML tools, and computational biology approaches.
• Document and present data analyses to supervisor; prepare reports and figures.
• Mentor and train junior lab members; foster collaborative lab culture.
• Work independently daily with regular PI meetings.

Skills

Mammalian tissue culture

DNA/RNA molecular assays

Protein biology

Mouse models

Omics datasets

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

PhD in life sciences

Job description

The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the cancer dark proteome and its therapeutic implications.

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing projects as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team ILLUMINE, an international collaboration focused on the cancer dark proteome.

This is a fully funded position. We are supportive of post-doctoral research fellows obtaining independent funding and/or career development awards to advance their independent academic careers.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and advance independent research projects focused on the cancer genome in pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies. The lab is broadly interested in the cancer dark proteome and functional genomics. See prior work: Prensner JR et al., Nature Biotechnology,2021; Mudge JM*, Ruiz-Orera J*, Prensner JR*, et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2022; Hofman D et al., Molecular Cell, 2024; Clauwaert J et al., Nature Communications, 2025; Deutsch EW et al., Nature, 2026.

The successful candidate will be able to advance cancer-related work around our active projects in:

• Non-canonical open reading frames & the dark proteome
• RNA translational control
• Therapeutic targeting of RNA translation

This candidate will be expected to conduct wet-lab molecular biology and tissue culture experiments to advance his/her/their research projects, as well as gain or currently have proficiency in data analysis techniques including analysis of sequencing data.

The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and conduct independent research projects in pediatric cancer that interface with one or more of the following: RNA translation, translational regulation, RNA therapeutics, non-canonical open reading frames, microprotein biology and genomics with a focus on cancer and/or cancer genetics.
• Develop fluency with -omics dataset analysis, machine learning tools, and relevant computational biology approaches
• Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor.
• Mentors and trains junior lab members.
• Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• PhD in the life sciences, or other comparable degree (including MD or MD/PhD)

Skills and abilitie s

• Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, mouse models, and omics datasets is desired
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed.
• Ability and eagerness to learn quickly in a fast-paced, self-motivating environment.

Learn more about this position here: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/280167/research-fellow

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab (https://prensnerlab.org) seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun. We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged. We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally. We welcome applicants of all kinds.

ABOUT THE CHAD CARR – PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR CENTER

The Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is a nationally recognized center of excellence for research and clinical care for children with brain cancers. Since 2018, investigators at the Chad Carr – Pediatric Brain Tumor Center have been awarded over $22 million in NIH or DOD funding, with over 125 scientific papers published. The Center hosts two dozen clinical trials for patients, participates in numerous cooperative clinical trials and tissue biobanks, and has been a destination center for referrals for patients from across the US.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is one of the world’s premier research universities, consistently voted as one of the two top public research universities in the US and one of the top 25 global research institutions. It ranks third in US funding for research and is one of the top five institutions for producing academic faculty. The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

ABOUT ANN ARBOR

Combining small city charm and big city culture, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a highly desirable small city. Known for its arts, sports, and civic events, Ann Arbor is regarded as one of the most educated, most livable, and most family-friendly cities in the US, supported by nationally renowned public school and public library systems. Ann Arbor also offers affordability and is located only 20 miles from a major international airport for flights across the world.

SALARY RANGE:

Up to $70,000 for first year of employment

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.