Join us for a fun and rewarding experience!
The Liu lab (https://www.roswellpark.org/xuhang-liu) at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking highly-motivated postdoctoral fellows with interests in RNA and/or cancer biology to join our efforts in fighting cancer. We employ a multi-disciplinary approach that combines in vivo mouse models, in vitro patient-derived organoids (PDOs), classical biochemistry, cutting-edge multi-omics techniques, and advanced bioinformatic analyses to discover key post-transcriptional mechanisms that govern cancer progression and metastasis. We aim to develop innovative therapeutic strategies, in particular RNA therapeutics, to translate these mechanistic insights into the clinic.
This position will provide an exciting opportunity for the selected candidate to not only master cutting-edge experimental and bioinformatic techniques essential for genomics and cancer research, but also have work published in high-impact journals and even transform findings at the bench into treatments at the bedside. In addition, regular career development meetings will be held with the PI to help the selected candidate transition to more advanced academic or industrial positions. Salaries will align with the standard NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend levels (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-22-132.html) and commensurate with past postdoctoral experience.
Dr. Liu completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Laboratory of Systems Cancer Biology at the Rockefeller University, where he and his colleagues employed a systems cancer biology approach to discover the critical role of tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFs), a novel class of small RNAs in regulating gene expression and breast cancer metastasis (Goodarzi, Liu, et al., 2015 Cell; Liu et al., 2022 Mol Cell). Before that, Dr. Liu earned a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania. During his Ph.D., Dr. Liu established the first biochemical assay that uses pre-miRNAs to assemble the miRNA effector complex. With this assay, he discovered a novel RNA-protein complex critical for the biogenesis of Dicer-independent microRNAs (Liu et al., 2012 Mol Cell). Dr. Liu also developed the first library construction method that enables high-throughput sequencing of full-length pre-miRNAs. Using this new method, he discovered that Argonaute-bound pre-miRNAs contain widespread untemplated uridines at their 3’ ends, which plays a dichotomic role—they promote the processing of specific pre-miRNAs while facilitating the degradation of others (Liu et al., 2014 Mol Cell).
The candidate must hold a PhD or MD degree at the start date. The candidate should have a track record of scientific independence and productivity, as evidenced by first-authored peer-reviewed publication(s) in at least one of these research areas: gene regulation, RNA biology, or cancer biology. Candidates with experience in biochemical assays, high-throughput sequencing experiments, mouse tumor models, or bioinformatic analysis are particularly encouraged to apply. The candidate should also possess effective written and verbal communication skills and be an excellent team member.
To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter highlighting your past research achievements, career goals, research interests, and contact information of 2-3 references to Dr. Xuhang Liu at Xuhang.Liu@RoswellPark.org.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Health Research Inc. (HRI) Roswell Park Division are Equal Opportunity Employers.