Staff Scientist

National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Scientific focus area

RNA Biology,Cancer Biology

The Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression (LRBGE), led by Dr. Daniel R. Larson, Chief, is recruiting a Staff Scientist, Intramural Professional Designation (IPD), to support an active research program investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and related hematologic malignancies.

LRBGE is a vibrant, collaborative environment within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The duties of the Staff Scientist will include:

• Designing and executing single-molecule fluorescence imaging experiments (smFISH, single-molecule tracking, live-cell imaging) to investigate RNA localization and translation dynamics in hematopoietic cells.
• Leading studies characterizing the role of splicing factor mutations in mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction in MDS.
• Processing and culturing primary human bone marrow samples from MDS patients and healthy donors for downstream molecular and imaging analyses.
• Applying and developing spatial proteomics workflows to map protein distributions at subcellular resolution, perform bioinformatic analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bulk RNA-seq, and proteomics datasets in collaboration with computational team members.
• Preparing manuscripts, contributing to funding renewals, and presenting research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.
• Contributing to mentoring of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians within the laboratory.
• Participating in the CCR Myeloid Malignancies Program (MMP) contributing to multidisciplinary interactions between basic and clinical investigators studying hematologic malignancies.

• A Ph.D. in a relevant biological discipline and have a minimum of five years of postdoctoral research experience.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in:

• Single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) and/or single-molecule imaging techniques.
• RNA splicing biology and post-transcriptional gene regulation, mRNA localization and co-translational process.
• Functional mitochondria and/or metabolic assays such as Seahorse assays and metabolomic analysis.
• Processing and experimental manipulation of primary human hematopoietic cells, including bone marrow aspirates.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and transcriptomic data analysis,
• Advanced fluorescence microscopy, including confocal and widefield live-cell imaging platforms.
• Proteomic or spatial proteomics approaches.
• A strong publication record commensurate with career stage and a commitment to rigorous, reproducible science are expected.

Experience in hematologic malignancies or cancer biology is highly desirable.

If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Salary will commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization.

This position is subject to a background investigation.