Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Leukemia & Epigenetics

Overview

The Heikamp Lab () at Dana-Farber is seeking a highly accomplished PhD candidate/graduate applying for their first postdoctoral fellowship in epigenetics in leukemia. Led by Dr. Emily Heikamp, MD PhD, our work focuses on high-risk forms of pediatric leukemia that are driven by oncogenic fusion proteins. We aim to understand the mechanisms by which oncogenic fusion proteins drive leukemia, in order to disrupt their activity for therapeutic purposes. Oncogenic fusion proteins can promote epigenetic dysregulation in leukemia, and we are investigating whether targeted epigenetic therapies can thwart oncogenic fusion protein activity.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to independently lead a research project in the laboratory, and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

· Design and conduct of hypothesis-driven experiments.

· Analyze, interpret, discuss and present research findings with lab members and the principal investigator. 

· Effectively communicate research with the broader scientific community through writing papers, presenting at conferences, and writing grants.

· Employ computational approaches to analyze complex data sets, including next generation sequencing data, and/or effectively collaborate with computational biologists. 

· Mentor and collaborate with research technicians. 

· Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and inventories of samples and reagents.

Qualifications

· Please include a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in the application.

· A PhD, PhD-MD or doctoral equivalent in Cancer Biology, Epigenetics/Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines

· Ability to independently lead a research project and to collaborate with scientists across disciplines from DFCI and other research centers

· Excellent oral and written communication skills, organizational techniques, and meticulous attention to detail

· An outstanding academic track record

· Proficiency or significant experience with one or more the following: cell culture techniques, genetic manipulation of cell lines (CRISPR/Cas9), basic molecular/cell biology techniques, chromatin-based techniques including experience with next-generation sequencing. Prior experience with ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, or other genome wide methods is a plus.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.