Postdoctoral Research – Epigenetic Regulation in Bladder Cancer Initiation

Overview

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Epigenetic Regulation in Bladder Cancer Initiation. The role is with Northwestern Department of Neurological Surgery.

We are seeking applications from candidates with a creative approach to research and wet lab competencies, and we encourage applicants with wet and dry lab skills to apply.

Our research focuses on the role of epigenetic regulation in bladder cancer initiation, examining normal homeostasis and responses to environmental and endogenous factors. We study how exposure to chemicals and irritants, such as tobacco and industrial pollutants, contributes to bladder cancer through epigenetic reprogramming. The goal is to understand which bladder cells are most susceptible and identify epigenetic mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis, with the aim of pinpointing actionable targets for therapeutic intervention to prevent cancer onset.

We also analyze bladder tumor evolution biology through next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and the tumor microenvironment, including genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic sequencing and spatial immunophenotyping data from patient samples, to track evolutionary trajectories and identify drivers of progression, immune resistance, and microenvironment vulnerabilities. This work seeks to enable more personalized and precise interventions to improve patient outcomes.

We offer an open, supportive academic environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge translational projects across bioinformatics, biochemistry, cell culture, sequencing, and animal models. We support career development and a two-year fellowship with the possibility of extension.

• PhD or MD/PhD in cancer, developmental biology, stem cells, immunology, or genomics, with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge and interest in cancer biology, immunology, and mouse models.
• Technical qualifications: mouse breeding and histology, immunology, epigenetic assays, and cell culture.
• Bioinformatics skills: use of R (or Python) to analyze gene expression, single-cell data, and mutation analysis.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with emphasis on data visualization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of publishing and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Ability to work independently as well as contribute to a research team.

• Study execution and data analysis.
• Manuscript preparation and presentations at national meetings.
• Communicating data and conclusions effectively in written and oral form.

• An open, supportive, and motivating academic environment with excellent training opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge translational research projects.
• A broad methods repertoire including bioinformatics, biochemistry, cell culture, next-generation sequencing, and animal models.
• Investment in career development, fostering critical research skills, scientific writing, and editing.
• A two-year fellowship with the possibility of extension.

Our laboratory is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome applicants from underrepresented groups. Apply to join our innovative and highly collaborative team at Northwestern University and advance your career in cancer research.

To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, and a list of publications to joshua.meeks.