UNIV - Staff Scientist I - Pharmacology & Immunology

Job Description Summary The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist I to join a growing research program focused on understanding how epigenetic alterations drive cancer progression and therapeutic response.

Job Description Summary The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist I to join a growing research program focused on understanding how epigenetic alterations drive cancer progression and therapeutic response.

Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type Employee

Worker Sub-Type Research Grant

Cost Center CC001032 COM PHARM Administration CC

Pay Rate Type Salary

Pay Grade University-00

Pay Range 0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist I 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 play a key scientific role in advancing multiple funded research projects while working in a highly collaborative environment alongside cancer biologists, immunologists, clinicians, and computational scientists. The laboratory is supported by multiple externally funded grants and offers opportunities for scientific leadership, collaboration, and professional growth.

• 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

• Lead innovative projects at the intersection of cancer epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and tumor immunology.
• Help develop new experimental approaches and technologies.
• Publish impactful discoveries and present findings at major national and international meetings.
• Participate in grant writing, fellowship applications, manuscript preparation, and laboratory leadership activities
• Mentor graduate students, research specialists, and undergraduate trainees.
• 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 physician-scientists, basic scientists, bioinformaticians, and translational investigators across MUSC and collaborating institutions.
• Contribute to the continued growth of a rapidly expanding, well-funded research program.

• Lead and manage independent research projects, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation. Work closely with the Principal Investigator to develop new scientific directions and collaborative research initiatives.

• Perform and develop advanced experimental approaches including:
  Mammalian cell culture, CRISPR gene editing, Flow cytometry, Immunoblotting, Advanced microscopy, Functional cellular assays, Molecular biology, and Functional genomics. Develop and implement new technologies that enhance the laboratory's research capabilities.

• Design and perform mouse studies including orthotopic, syngeneic, genetically engineered, and xenograft tumor models.
  
  Responsibilities include:
  
  Animal procedures, Therapeutic studies, Tissue collection, Immune profiling, and Integration of in vivo and mechanistic studies.

• Contribute to the training and mentorship of graduate students, research staff, and undergraduate trainees. Assist with implementation of new laboratory techniques, maintenance of laboratory resources, and fostering a collaborative, and intellectually stimulating research environment.

• Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, fellowship…