UNIV - Post Doctoral Scholar - Pharmacology & Immunology

Post Doctoral Scholar - Pharmacology & Immunology

The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join a growing research program focused on understanding how epigenetic alterations drive cancer progression and therapeutic response. Our laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms by which loss of the chromatin regulator SETD2 promotes kidney cancer development through altered mitochondrial biology, innate immune signaling, and tumor-immune interactions.

We recently identified a novel therapeutic vulnerability in SETD2-deficient tumors involving mitochondrial DNA leakage, cGAS-STING activation, and BCL-XL dependency, providing new opportunities for targeted and immune-based therapies (Cancer Research 2026, PMID: ). Current projects integrate cancer biology, immunology, functional genomics, advanced microscopy, and preclinical mouse models to develop next-generation therapeutic strategies for solid tumors. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead independent projects while working in a highly collaborative environment alongside cancer biologists, immunologists, clinicians, and computational scientists.

The laboratory is supported by multiple funded projects and is committed to providing strong mentorship, scientific independence, and career development.

Research Areas:

• Kidney cancer biology and metastasis
• Cancer epigenetics and chromatin regulation
• Mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and cellular stress responses
• cGAS-STING signaling and innate immunity
• Tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy
• CRISPR-based functional genomics
• Translational cancer therapeutics

Why Join the de Cubas Laboratory?

The de Cubas Laboratory is committed to providing an environment where postdoctoral fellows can develop into independent scientific leaders. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to:

• Lead innovative projects at the intersection of cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology.
• Publish impactful discoveries and present findings at major national and international meetings.
• Receive individualized mentorship tailored toward academic faculty positions, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, or translational research careers
• Participate in grant writing, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and laboratory leadership activities
• Develop expertise in cutting-edge approaches including functional genomics, advanced imaging, immunology, and translational cancer research.
• Access state-of-the-art resources including advanced microscopy, genomics, flow cytometry, spatial biology, and animal modeling cores within an NCI-designated Cancer Center
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of basic scientists, physician-scientists, bioinformaticians, and translational investigators across MUSC and external institutions
• Develop an independent scientific niche while contributing to a growing and well-supported research program focused on cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology

Required Minimum

Education and Experience:

• Applicants should possess a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Strong publication record appropriate for career stage.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

• Kidney cancer research
• Cancer biology
• Tumor immunology
• Epigenetics or chromatin biology
• Mitochondrial biology
• Functional genomics
• Flow cytometry
• Advanced microscopy
• Bioinformatics
• Mouse models of disease

Strong candidates will demonstrate scientific creativity, independence, excellent communication skills, and a strong publication record appropriate to career stage.