Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biology of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cures Start Here. At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Careers Start Here.

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available in the MacPherson lab, which is focused on the biology of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We apply functional screens and analyses of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) and patient derived xenograft (PDX) models towards understanding genes mutated in SCLC and basis of response towards conventional and novel therapies. Our lab works closely with thoracic oncologist collaborators at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance to access patient samples and to help translate basic findings (e.g. see Augert et al, 2019, Science Signaling “Targeting NOTCH Activation in Small Cell Lung Cancer Through LSD1 Inhibition”). Some of these directions are supported by an NIH Lung Cancer SPORE award that promotes translational lung cancer research.  We are also interested in understanding basic mechanisms underlying SCLC tumor suppressor and oncogene function (e.g., see Augert et al, Cancer Cell 2020, “MAX Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Rewires Metabolism in Small Cell Lung Cancer” and Jia et al, 2018, Cancer Discovery “Crebbp Loss Drives Small Cell Lung Cancer and Increases Sensitivity to HDAC Inhibition”.) We are increasingly performing functional screens in vivo and in tissue culture cells applied to cells to understand genes important for SCLC and to identify new druggable vulnerabilities.  The specific project will be developed by both the candidate and Dr. MacPherson based on areas of shared interests.

• Recent PhD in Biology or related fields
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to design and execute experiments, interpret data and present results
• A record of publication in peer reviewed journals

Please include a cover letter detailing your research interest and suitability for this position and names and contact information of at least two references with your application. 

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