Postdoctoral Scholar – Rushing Lab

UNC NUTRITION RESEARCH INST; North Carolina; On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join a dynamic team focused on cancer metabolism and precision oncology. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage expertise in cancer cell biology and molecular techniques to advance impactful research. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment, contributing to high-impact publications and grant proposals while mentoring students. This position is ideal for those passionate about the intersection of nutrition, metabolism, and oncology, providing a platform to drive innovation in cancer research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Cancer Biology or related field required.
• Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture and molecular techniques.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cancer metabolism to advance precision oncology.
• Lead and collaborate on projects using complex cellular model systems.

Skills

Mammalian Cell Culture

Biochemical Techniques

Molecular Biology Techniques

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

Tools

Western Blotting

qPCR

CRISPR/Cas9

Job description

This position is located in Kannapolis, NC, approximately 2 hours from UNC’s main campus.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with expertise in cancer cell biology, metabolism, and molecular biology techniques to join our team. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work as an integral member of the Rushing Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Nutrition Research Institute to investigate cancer metabolism to advance precision oncology. Our lab is focused on understanding how metabolic pathways drive heterogeneity in cancer outcomes. The postdoctoral scholar will lead and collaborate on projects that leverage complex cellular model systems to advance our understanding of the intersection of cancer metabolic pathways, nutrition, disease progression, and treatment response.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to publish high-impact research, mentor students, and contribute to grant proposals. This position offers an exciting chance to work at the intersection of nutrition, metabolism, and oncology in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Ph.D. (or an equivalent doctorate or terminal degree, such as a M.F.A., Sc.D., J.D. or M.D.) in an appropriate field of study.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, transfection, and viral transduction.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, qPCR, immunoprecipitation, metabolite extractions).
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience with metabolic assays, stable isotope tracing, or metabolomics approaches.
• Familiarity with cancer metabolism and metabolic signaling pathways.
• Experience with gene editing ( CRISPR /Cas9, shRNA knockdowns).
• Prior experience working with metabolic inhibitors, drug screening, or therapeutic response assays.
• A strong publication record in cancer biology or related fields.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.