Post Doctoral Fellow

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

The laboratory of Dr. Meng Zhang at Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to join our team.

The Zhang lab focuses on studying the alterations of RNA transcription, processing, and translation in tumor cells, with the dual goals of both understanding the biology of cancer progression and therapy resistance and identifying potential therapeutic targets to overcome resistance. The lab will integrate a variety of research approaches, including clinical genomics, CRISPR-based functional genomics, and molecular biology, to systematically investigate RNA biology in cancer initiation, progression, and resistance, leading to the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for patients.

The ongoing research directions of the Zhang lab include:
1) Investigation of microproteins’ (previously understudied small proteins encoded through non-canonical translation) role and regulation in aggressive prostate cancer;
2) Deciphering the epigenetic mechanisms of oncogenic gene up regulation driven by non-canonical promoters;
3) Discovery of novel druggable regulators of neuroendocrine surface protein target DLL
3.

Dr. Zhang received her Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Yale University and her M.S. in Computer Science from Stanford University. She finished her postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco, and has a strong and unique multi-disciplinary research background across both molecular and computational biology. Dr. Zhang has published first- and co-author papers in high-profile journals including Nature Cell Biology, Genes & Development, Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, Cancer Research, etc.

( Her research focuses on RNA biology in development and cancer, and aims to identify regulatory mechanisms and novel RNA and protein species with translational potential.

If you are an aspiring academic scientist looking to expand your skills and knowledge base in translational cancer research and to boost your scientific career, joining our team could be the perfect opportunity! Opportunities for career growth and authorship should be expected within our lab. You will have the chance to work directly with Dr. Zhang, receive mentorship and training in both research techniques and professional development, lead independent projects, and engage in multidisciplinary collaborations.

In addition, you will be encouraged to learn the widely desirable bioinformatics skills under the guidance of Dr. Zhang. We have received generous start-up funds and value a collaborative and supportive lab culture.

Responsibilities:

• Lead independent scientific projects

• Participate in paper and grant writing, and internal and external presentations

• Maintain full and clear records of experimental data and code

• Mentor junior scientists

Minimum Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field: molecular biology, cancer biology, cell biology, genetics, computational biology, or other related fields
• Applicants must have a demonstrated publication track record
• Applicants should have strong communication/organization skills and be detail-oriented
• Highly motivated individual who thinks independently but also enjoys working in a dynamic, collaborative, multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in RNA biology and/or epigenetics
• Experience with CRISPR screening and/or gene editing

** Please kindly attach a cover letter with your CV.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote…