Postdoctoral Fellow to work on the Evolution of Therapy Resistance

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we strive to be the leader in understanding the complexity of cancer and applying these insights to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Our diverse team of over 9,000 are dedicated to serving our patients and creating a workspace where every individual is recognized and appreciated. For this reason, Moffitt has been recognized on the 2023 Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Best Employers for Women, Computerworld magazine’s list of 100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology, DiversityInc Top Hospitals & Health Systems and continually named one of the Tampa Bay Time’s Top Workplace. Additionally, Moffitt is proud to have earned the prestigious Magnet® designation in recognition of its nursing excellence. Moffitt is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, and the leading cancer hospital in both Florida and the Southeast. We are a top 10 nationally ranked cancer center by Newsweek and have been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999.
Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Join our committed team and help shape the future we envision.

Summary

Our lab’s mission is to understand the development of therapy resistance from eco-evolutionary angle, integrating considerations of changes within tumor cells, dynamic changes within tumor microenvironment, cell-cell and cell-microenvironment interactions. Gaining this knowledge enables to design new therapeutic approaches, that optimize long-term outcomes rather than short-term tumor cell kill.  To achieve these goals, we are using multi-prong integrative approaches combining experimental studies, mathematical modeling and clinical analyses.

https://labpages2.moffitt.org/marusyk/research/

We are seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on interdisciplinary projects focused on understanding and overcoming acquired resistance to targeted therapies in KRAS mutant lung cancers.  The fellow will be responsible for conducting experimental studies under the dual mentorship of Drs. Marusyk (experimental evolutionary biologist) and Dr. Haura (thoracic oncologist), in collaboration with mathematical modelers. 

Position Highlights:

• Opportunity to do a cutting edge interdisciplinary research with strong potential for both exciting basic science discoveries and clear translational potential.
• Unique collaborative environment with access to outstanding mentorship from faculty with wide-ranging expertise.
• Moffitt integrates excellent patient care with cutting-edge clinical and basic research. Having a cancer hospital on-site provides unique opportunities for translational research.
• You will be encouraged and supported to apply for training grants.

The Ideal Candidate:

• At least one first author high quality publication of experimental studies.
• Mastery of standard molecular and cell biology techniques (cell culture, viability assays, western blot, immunofluorescence etc).
• Being open to and interested in exploring ideas outside of the mainstream research pipelines.
• Some experience with functional genomics pipelines.
• Ability to perform at least basic level bioinformatical analyses.
• Decent interpersonal skills (ability to productively work in a team).
• Understanding of statistical analyses.
• Strong motivation and interest in this specific field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with experimental animals is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities:

• Under the dual mentorship of Drs. Marusyk and Haura, plan and execute experiments to uncover vulnerabilities associated with acquisition of therapy resistance in animal models of targetable lung cancers.
• In collaboration with our mathematical modelling collaborators design, plan and execute experiments to reveal the underlying evolutionary dynamics.
• Analyze the data and communicate the results in maniuscripts, conference and departmental presentations. 

Credentials and Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field.

You will be eligible for benefits offered to our Team Members – Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Parental Leave and more. With a move to Tampa, you may be eligible for relocation allowance. Reason to relocate, aside from the sunshine, beaches and year-round outdoor recreation associated with the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving metropolitan city with unique cultural attractions, low cost of living and a high quality of life. We strive for work/life balance.

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,

then we have a place for you.

How to Apply: Send the following to Dr. Marusyk  (Andriy.marusyk@moffitt.org):

• Cover letter summarizing background/training/accomplishments, as well as scientific interests and goals.
• Current CV including contact information for three references.