Postdoctoral Fellow

Location: New York

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Number: 140682

Location: New York City, US

Postdoctoral Fellow Position

Cell-Cycle and Cancer Biology | New York City

Decoding cell fate and resistance to cancer therapies

The Yang Lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how cells decide to divide and how this process fails in cancer. We are looking for curious, dedicated, and highly motivated postdoctoral fellows to join our team. They will lead exciting, well-supported, and independent projects related to the fundamental biology of the cell cycle and its disturbances in cancer.

Previous experience with specific methods is welcome but not necessary; we prioritize strong scientific reasoning, technical rigor, and a collaborative attitude over any particular technique. Research Areas

Our work moves between two connected questions: how the cell cycle is normally controlled, and how cancer cells rewire that control to escape therapy. Current projects are supported by external funding and broadly span two areas.

Basic cell-cycle regulation. We study how a cell commits to division and how that decision is kept under control. Building on our discovery of a non-canonical, CDK4/6-independent route to cell-cycle entry through Rb degradation and c-Myc-driven amplification of E2F activity, we investigate how signaling, Rb stability, E2F dynamics, and growth cues are integrated at single-cell resolution. We also study mitogen-dependent decisions in G2 that determine whether a cell re-enters mitosis or instead undergoes whole-genome duplication, a major route to chromosomal instability and aggressive tumor behavior.

Dysregulation of the cell cycle in cancer. We study how tumor cells remodel cell-cycle and signaling circuitry to adapt to targeted therapy, often without acquiring any new mutation, and how that adaptation can be prevented or reversed. A recurring theme is non-genetic, reversible drug tolerance, in which cells reactivate the same Rb, E2F, and c-Myc circuitry we study in normal cells.

We pursue this across cancer types and therapies, including adaptation to CDK4/6 inhibition in breast cancer and its combination with CDK2 or CDK7 inhibition, and the signaling dynamics that allow melanoma cells to rebound after BRAF, MEK, or RAS inhibition.

Our Approaches

We integrate in vitro, in vivo, and human specimen studies, combining genetically encoded live-cell biosensors, high-throughput quantitative microscopy, single-cell tracking and image analysis, optogenetics, single-cell and bulk RNA-seq, multiplex single-cell and tissue imaging, CRISPR functional-genomic screens, and in vivo tumor models, which together let us watch signaling and cell-cycle decisions unfold in individual cells over time.

What You Will Do

• Lead an independent project on cell-cycle regulation and tumor heterogeneity
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results with rigor
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant-supported research aims
• Present findings at internal and external meetings
• Mentor students and technicians as appropriate

What You Bring

• A PhD or MD/PhD (completed or near completion) in cell biology, cancer biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field
• Strong experimental and/or computational skills, with a quantitative mindset a plus
• Demonstrated productivity, such as publications or preprints, and clear scientific communication
• A collaborative, proactive, and problem-solving approach to research

Compensation and Environment

We offer a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience, a supportive mentoring environment, and access to outstanding core facilities and scientific communities at CUIMC and the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, in the heart of New York City.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Final date to receive applications:

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