Postdoctoral Fellow: Precision Oncology of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Position Summary:

Led by Dr Ajay Goel, our multidisciplinary research group comprises basic researchers, gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists, and bioinformaticians, undertaking several collaborative projects involving large international consortia.

Our research is focused on translational research on the genomic and epigenomic characterization of various gastrointestinal cancers (GI), including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, esophageal, and hepatocellular cancers. Our group performs cutting-edge research in GI oncology, is very productive, and publishes in high-impact journals such as Gastroenterology, Cancer Cell, PNAS, JAMA Oncology, JNCI, Clinical Cancer Research, Nature Communications, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Annals of Surgery, etc.

If you are passionate about some of the following things we are working on this may be the perfect opportunity:

1. Development of cell-free DNA (mutation and methylation), RNA, and exosomal-based liquid assays for early cancer detection, prognosis, and predictive responses to chemotherapies and targeted drugs.

2. Study the genetic and epigenetic basis of GI cancers (e.g., aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs).

3. The genetic basis of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) and familial/hereditary colorectal cancer.

4. The role of extracellular vesicles/exosomes in cancer pathogenesis and their role as disease biomarkers.

5. The role of the tumor microenvironment, stem cells, immune regulation, and identification of novel targeted therapies.

6. Cancer preventive and adjunctive role of natural and integrative therapy approaches.

As a successful candidate you will:

• Devise, plan, document, and advance basic science and translational projects in genetics, epigenetics, and precision oncology of gastrointestinal cancers.
• Generate data for grant applications and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Work closely with other team members and external collaborators, including, presenting progress internally or externally.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Your qualifications should include:

• Ph.D., MD, or MD/Ph.D., with a strong background and profound knowledge in oncology, cancer biology, immunology, or immunotherapy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment and manage multiple projects and collaborations.
• Previous experience working with human specimens and developing novel, innovative cancer biomarkers.
• Evidence of scientific rigor and excellence as documented by high-impact peer-reviewed publications. Strong team player with excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• Must have effective skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, and problem-solving and be adaptable to changes in technological and scientific directions.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE .