Post doctoral fellow
Albert Einstein College of Medicine - Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Cancer remains a formidable challenge in the medical field, primarily due to metastasis—the leading cause of cancer mortality. Even after successful treatment of primary tumors, the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) poses a significant risk. These cells, which can linger undetected in the body for years, are the culprits behind later relapses. They remain dormant for extended periods but can eventually reawaken, leading to deadly metastatic tumors. The mechanisms controlling this dormancy and subsequent reactivation are not well understood, but unraveling these mysteries is crucial for developing therapies that could significantly extend remission periods.
Current Research Focus: Deciphering DTC Biology
At the forefront of this research, our project is delving into several critical aspects of DTC behavior and potential therapeutic strategies:
Transcriptional Programs Controlling DTC Fates
One of our primary areas of investigation is understanding the transcriptional programs that govern DTC dormancy. We aim to distinguish between short-term and long-term dormancy programs. By elucidating these mechanisms, we hope to identify markers that predict the dormancy duration and potential reactivation of DTCs.
Therapeutic Strategies to Eradicate DTCs
Developing therapies that can effectively target and eliminate DTCs is another crucial focus. We are exploring various survival pathways that DTCs rely on during dormancy. By identifying and targeting these pathways, we aim to devise strategies that can eradicate these cells before they reawaken and form metastases.
Contribution of Early Dissemination Events
Our research also seeks to understand the role of early dissemination events in metastasis formation. By studying these initial steps, we aim to uncover how early DTCs contribute to later stages of metastasis, providing insights that could lead to preventative strategies.
Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher: Qualifications and Opportunities
To advance this cutting-edge research, we are looking for a highly skilled postdoctoral researcher. The ideal candidate will have expertise in several key areas, including:
Epigenetics: Previous training in CHIP and Cut&Run assays, along with their analysis.
Computational Biology: Proficiency in computational techniques to analyze biological data.
Cancer Biology: A strong understanding of cancer mechanisms and pathways.
Molecular Biology Techniques: Skilled in various molecular biology methods.
Biochemical Assays: Experience in conducting and interpreting biochemical experiments.
Cell Culture: Proficiency in 2D and 3D cell culture techniques.
Fluorescence Microscopy: Ability to perform and analyze fluorescence microscopy.
Imaging Analysis: Competence in analyzing imaging data.
Animal Studies: Experience with in vivo studies and animal models.
Contract Details
This position offers a 4-year contract, with the potential for a 2-year extension. The project is fully funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and supplemented by additional foundation grants, ensuring comprehensive support for groundbreaking research.
Understanding the biology of disseminated tumor cells is pivotal in the fight against cancer metastasis. Through our research, we aim to uncover the mechanisms of DTC dormancy and reactivation, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies that could dramatically improve patient outcomes. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in cancer research and possess the necessary expertise, we invite you to join our team and contribute to this vital endeavor.