Postdoctoral Scholar, Radiation Oncology, Moon Lab, Cancer Metastasis, Metabolism, and Radiation Biology

Organization: Radiation Oncology

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, Radiation Oncology, Moon Lab, Cancer Metastasis, Metabolism, and Radiation Biology

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the Moon Laboratory conducting research in cancer and radiation biology, with an anticipated start date of January 2027. We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in research and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website .

The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 - $6,372 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

The successful candidate will contribute to both major research areas in the laboratory, spanning tumor metastasis and metabolism as well as FLASH radiation biology. We are particularly interested in candidates with a broad experimental background who are comfortable integrating molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches across different biological questions.

Creative and critical thinking are essential. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be expected to contribute intellectually to project development, independently design and troubleshoot experiments, and help shape new research directions as the laboratory grows.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret mechanistic studies using molecular, cellular, and in vivo cancer models.

Research activities may include:

• Investigating molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying tumor progression and metastasis
• Studying tumor and normal tissue responses to conventional and FLASH radiation
• Developing and characterizing in vitro and in vivo tumor models
• Performing molecular and cellular studies of gene regulation, signaling, metabolism, and protein function
• Conducting mouse tumor, metastasis, and radiation studies
• Integrating molecular, metabolic, and physiological data to identify mechanisms with potential translational relevance
• Presenting research findings at national and international scientific meetings
• Preparing manuscripts for publication
• Contributing to collaborative studies and grant applications
• Mentoring students and junior researchers as appropriate

The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop scientific independence and establish a research direction that can contribute to their future career.

Our laboratory investigates how the tumor microenvironment and metabolic alterations shape cancer progression, metastasis, and responses to radiation therapy. We are particularly interested in understanding fundamental mechanisms of tumor adaptation and translating these discoveries into new approaches for cancer treatment.

The laboratory currently develops two major research programs:

Metastasis and tumor metabolism:
We investigate how metabolic alterations influence tumor progression and metastatic adaptation, with particular interests in lipid metabolism, hypoxia, redox biology, and the tumor microenvironment. Our goal is to identify molecular and metabolic mechanisms that enable cancer cells to survive, adapt, and colonize distant tissues.

FLASH radiation biology:
We investigate the biological mechanisms underlying responses to ultra-high dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy. Current studies focus on understanding how…