An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join the Alumkal Laboratory (https://alumkal.lab.medicine.umich.edu/) at the U of M Division of Heme-Onc and the Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, MI. This individual will join as a post-doctoral researcher and work directly with Dr. Joshi Alumkal, Leader of the U of M Prostate/Genitourinary Oncology Cancer Section. He/she will be an integral member of research team whose focus is epigenetics and drug resistance in prostate cancer.

Our laboratory focuses on identifying mechanisms by which key chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin readers drive transcription of pathways that promote treatment resistance. We use genomic/epigenomic studies in prostate cancer clinical samples and prostate cancer cell line model systems and functional studies to understand this process. Our goal is to develop new, targeted treatment strategies for men with advanced prostate cancer.

The position is in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly translational environment in the U of M Division of Heme-Onc and the Rogel Cancer Center in the U of M School of Medicine. Highly-motivated candidates with expertise in molecular biology, chromatin, and genomics who are interested in a career in oncology basic/translational research will be most competitive for this position.

The individual will be responsible for leading a collaborative research project focused on prostate cancer epigenetics and drug resistance. Expertise with molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics will be required for this project. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining a high level of professional expertise in the field; supervising and providing guidance and mentorship to other scientists within the laboratory; designing and directing or executing experiments; and establishing laboratory procedures and systems that enforce and maintain a high level of organization in the lab. The individual will have demonstrated success in leading, managing and participating in collaborative projects and a distinguished record of scientific and technical accomplishments.  S/he will have the ability to gain the confidence of other scientists, and staff, and the ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key constituents.

• Running a laboratory project of his/her own- Independently develop and manage research experiments, determining the most suitable methods to be used.  Interpret and perform complex data analysis on experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with goals.  Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature.  As needed, develop innovative techniques and experimental systems to meet research program goals.
• Scientific writing and project development- Prepare research findings for presentation at scientific meetings and conference and manuscripts for publication.  Write grant applications.
• Collaborative Interactions: Develop, foster and maintain relationships with partners in academia and in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries.
• Train and mentor students and lab staff.

• Doctoral degree in relevant field.
• Ability to synthesize ones own results and others to formulate hypotheses
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills:  both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint), Adobe Illustrator, and statistical analysis software.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes

• Expertise in epigenetics, genomics, and cancer biology are strongly preferred.
• Expertise with ChIP-seq RNA-seq and data visualization/analysis is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 KO technology is strongly preferred. (Molecular biology techniques required: chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), PCR, primer design, cell culture, transfections, transductions, Western blots, cloning)
• Experience with drug sensitivity/synergy analyses preferred.
• Strong publication record.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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